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Three people in Otago died in last year's swine flu pandemic, a report released yesterday says.
The Pandemic Influenza Mortality and Morbidity Review Group revealed that nationally, 49 people died of swine flu, not 35 as previously thought. Otago's confirmed deaths included one person who died while in the Cook Islands on holiday.

Chairwoman of the group, Prof Cynthia Farquhar, said the additional deaths were identified through access to data such as births, deaths and marriages, laboratory results and clinical notes.

"I would also like to acknowledge the losses suffered by many New Zealand families ... last year, especially given that so many of those who died were younger than usually occurs with seasonal influenza", Prof Farquhar said.

Otago and Southland Medical Officer of Health Dr Derek Bell told the Otago Daily Times a fourth Otago death could yet be confirmed.

Of the national total, 26 deaths were women and 23 men. Sixteen deaths were at home and 33 in hospital.

A high proportion - 86% - had other conditions underlying their influenza, most commonly respiratory disease, obesity, and substance abuse. There was also a link with social deprivation.

Three women died after giving birth, following influenza in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Of the 16 who died at home or in the community, four had seen their GP after onset of symptoms, including one who had been discharged from hospital, and the Otago tourist in the Cook Islands.

"It was also concerning that 16 patients died at home or in the community, only a few of whom had sought the assistance of the health services.

"There is a need for further work on public health messages, so that they convey the range of influenza presentations."

Two patients admitted for other reasons contracted swine flu while in hospital.

Only 41% of the patients who died presented with classical flu symptoms, and 37% had no fever or flu symptoms.

More patients were prescribed antibiotics than antiviral medicine. The report said this may reflect the fact antibiotics were not restricted in primary care, and that practitioners were more accustomed to prescribing them.

The Ministry of Health had improved access to antivirals, like Tamiflu, making it free of charge with a prescription.

Otago had an extremely low rate of intensive care unit admissions, just two, compared with three in Southland and one transfer or re-admission in Southland.

There was one swine flu death in Southland.

ALVIN STOCK didn't think it necessary to go to the doctor when he got the flu.

When he finally did it was too late.

Alvin was admitted to hospital with suspected pneumonia but the final diagnosis was swine flu and he was immediately put into an induced coma. He spent 46 days in this state.

Alvin's family thought his condition was improving and he would be able to go home when he was struck down with a fungal infection which attacked his lungs.

Alvin died on October 7 aged 52.

Now his father Alan Stock is warning others to get help sooner.

"Being the tough guy, Alvin didn't think he needed to go to the doctor," the New Lynn resident says.

"My message is if you're sick, go to the doctor.

"Especially for males – women generally have enough sense to go but men don't."

Alvin was a smoker but had no underlying health issues.

Two patients admitted to North Shore Hospital around the same time as Alvin also died of the disease. One was an asthmatic and one had heart problems.

The Health Ministry says the overall influenza activity has dropped but continued vigilance is important.

Public health deputy director Dr Darren Hunt says while influenza season is nearly over and the number of cases is dropping, the risk is still present.

"We're still advising the basics – handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes."

He says staying home when you're sick is also important because you won't contaminate others.

"Getting advice from your GP is important too, especially if your condition deteriorates quickly."

Dr Hunt says swine flu and other forms of the sickness can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can sometimes appear to be mild.

More than 70 people have been hospitalised with confirmed cases of swine flu in New Zealand this year.

Fifteen of the 20 swine flu-related deaths so far were found to be due to the virus. Four deaths in the Waitemata District Health Board area this year have been linked to H1N1.