Doctors are urging people to get immunised for influenza as larger than average outbreaks are appearing in parts of the country.
General Practitioners New Zealand spikes in numbers of people with flu are already being seen in Auckland and Christchurch though the season is just beginning.
Spokesperson Dr Richard Medlicott says while the spikes are not particularly high, the situation could become worse over the remaining winter months.
Canterbury District Health Board clinical virologist Dr Lance Jennings says hospital flu admissions increased from 23 people in May to 38 in June.
The national average of those ill with flu is about normal for this time of year.
