Hospitals throughout New Zealand are restricting visitors as cases of swine and seasonal flu continue to rise.
Middlemore hospital in South Auckland, one of the country's biggest, has begun
restricting visitors to help protect patients and the community from increasing flu-related illness.
Officials at Middlemore say that from Friday, there are to be no more than two visitors per patient in wards, and just one visitor per patient in the emergency department.
They say children should not visit, and visiting hours will be strictly adhered to.
Dunedin hospital is already enforcing visiting hours to reduce opportunities for people to bring flu into hospital and Hawke's Bay will begin this on Monday.
Dunedin officials say those with flu-like illnesses must wear a mask to appointments at the hospital.
Hawke's Bay DHB acting chief executive Warrick Frater says he understands people want to be with their loved ones, but they are putting themselves and staff at risk.
Wellington Hospital - which is at full capacity - says anyone who visits with flu symptoms is being asked to leave.
Warning for people with existing conditions
The Ministry of Health is advising anyone who has underlying medical conditions and who gets seasonal or swine flu to monitor their condition carefully.
It says these people should seek medical help by phoning the Healthline number, 0800 611 116, or their doctor if their illness gets worse.
The ministry says complications can arise quickly, particularly in people with known risk factors.
Complications are more likely in pregnant women, adults and children with serious conditions, those whose immune systems are suppressed, and residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
Family doctors can now issue medical certificates following an assessment by phone.
The Health Ministry says there has been 1555 confirmed cases of swine flu, but this is a major under-estimate. It is no longer keeping a region-by-region tally of confirmed cases.
Six deaths in New Zealand have been linked to swine flu to date.
Flu epidemic reached in some areas
Wellington, Taupo and Rotorua are experiencing flu epidemics, according to the National Influenza Centre.
A weekly flu report from the centre says flu rates are highest among children and teenagers.
Sue Huang says it shows an alarming rise in the number of people with flu symptoms. Doctors are reporting their highest figures in 10 years.
She says about 80% of people with flu in the week to 5 July had swine flu rather than seasonal flu.
Weekly influenza reports are compiled each winter for the Environmental Science and Research agency. Dr Huang says they are particularly important this year because of swine flu.
