Influenza A continues to circulate widely in our community, placing increased demand on health services across the region.
At Arrowtown Medical & Health, we have procedures in place to safely manage patients with respiratory illnesses while maintaining access to care for all patients. If you develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue, please phone us before attending the practice. This helps us ensure you receive the right care in the most appropriate way.
We also offer on-site testing for influenza and other common respiratory viruses. A modest fee may apply, and our clinical team can advise whether testing is appropriate for your situation.
If you are unwell, please stay home where possible, rest, keep well hydrated, and practice good hand hygiene.
It is not too late to get your flu vaccination. This seasons vaccine remains a good match for the strains currently circulating and continues to provide the best protection against serious illness. Flu vaccinations are available at Arrowtown Medical & Health and can be booked through our reception team.
Patients can be confident that Arrowtown Medical & Health has procedures in place to manage respiratory illnesses safely and effectively. Our team continues to work hard to ensure patients can access timely care while helping protect vulnerable members of our community.
Read more below about influenza symptoms, testing, vaccination, and when to seek medical advice.
Influenza (the flu) is circulating widely in our community this winter. Most people recover at home with rest, fluids, and time, but some people can become seriously unwell.
Symptoms may include:
If you develop flu-like symptoms, please phone Arrowtown Medical & Health before attending the clinic. This allows our team to assess your symptoms and ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
Most people can:
When should I seek urgent medical advice? Please contact us urgently or seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with underlying health conditions may be at higher risk of complications from influenza.
Arrowtown Medical & Health offers on-site testing for influenza and other common respiratory viruses when clinically appropriate. A modest fee may apply. Our clinical team can advise whether testing would be helpful in your situation.
It is not too late to have your flu vaccination. The current vaccine remains a good match for the influenza strains circulating this season and continues to provide the best protection against serious illness.
To help protect patients, our team uses systems to safely manage people with respiratory illnesses while maintaining access to care for all patients. This may include telephone assessment before appointments and measures to reduce the spread of infection within the practice.
While the current influenza season is creating significant pressure on health services across New Zealand, patients can be confident that Arrowtown Medical & Health has procedures in place to manage respiratory illnesses safely and effectively. Our team continues to work hard to ensure patients can access timely care while helping protect vulnerable members of our community.
