An influenza specialist says the worst of the flu season appears to have passed, although in some regions many people are still affected.
The latest weekly report on flu from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research shows flu activity nationwide reached a peak three weeks ago and been dropping since.
Canterbury virologist Lance Jennings says it looks as if the worst is over, though it can be unpredictable and flu will continue to circulate.
He says it's still not too late to have the flu vaccine, and people should talk to their family doctor if they are worried.
South Canterbury has the highest consultation rate for flu, followed by Waitemata in Auckland and Gisborne.
Dr Jennings says Canterbury as a whole has been hard hit by flu this winter.
