The Auckland region is on health alert as some schools have reported large numbers of students taken ill with flu-like symptoms.
Regional medical officer for health, Dr Craig Thornley, says one school reports a quarter of its students have been coughing and vomiting, and have high temperatures.
He says people who are sick should stay home, cover their coughs and wash and dry their hands thoroughly.
Dr Thornley says parents should take their children to their GP if they have difficulty breathing, chest pain or severe vomiting.
