Illness

Meningitis

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can affect anyone. Babies, young children, teenagers and young adults are at greatest risk.

It can cause two very serious illnesses: septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis (an infection of the brain membranes). There are different strains of the bacteria. The B strain is the most common in New Zealand.

Meningococcal disease can look like a case of influenza in its early stages, but it quickly gets much worse. The symptoms may not all show up at once.

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following signs and/or symptoms:

• fever and headache
• vomiting
• sleepiness, confusion, delirium or unconsciousness
• a stiff neck and sensitivity to bright lights
• joint pain and aching muscles
• a rash or spots (show your doctor).
• Meningococcal disease can progress very quickly.

Don’t wait – take action.

If someone in your household is sick with one or more of the symptoms identified above, you should contact a doctor or medical centre immediately, no matter what time of the day or night.

If meningococcal disease is treated straight away with antibiotics, most people will recover.

For further information about meningococcal go to the New Zealand Ministry of Health website at www.moh.govt.nz.

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Hayfever

Hayfever (also called seasonal allergic rhinitis) is an allergic condition usually caused by pollen in the air.

It can affect the nose, eyes and throat. Symptoms are usually a runny, stuffy, itchy nose and sneezing. Your eyes may also become itchy and watery and your throat may become irritated.

Hayfever is very common in New Zealand (about 1 in 5 people are affected by it) and it is likely that some international students will suffer from it while in New Zealand, due to an increase in pollen in the air.

Pollen is usually at its highest in New Zealand during late November and throughout December. Most newspapers publish a pollen count on a daily basis.

There are many medicines available to prevent hayfever and to alleviate its symptoms. The main medications used are antihistamines and nasal sprays. It is advisable that you see a health practitioner so they can diagnose you and prescribe you with the appropriate medication.

For more information on hayfever go to www.allergy.org.nz or www.everybody.co.nz.

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Sandflies and mosquitoes

Currently New Zealand has 12 native species of mosquito and four introduced species – these are at present harmless and transmit no diseases, such as Dengue Fever.

However, some people have allergic reactions to New Zealand’s sandfly and mosquito bites, which can cause swelling and irritation.

For much of the year these insects are seldom seen due to the cold weather, though in summer months they can cause problems, particularly in wet and warmer parts of the country.

Although they are not dangerous, it is wise to carry insect repellent, especially in National Parks and marsh areas.

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Giardia

Some New Zealand rivers, lakes and streams contain Giardia, a water parasite which causes diarrhoea.

Always boil or purify water that’s been drawn directly from a lake or river before drinking it.

For more information on giardia, go to the New Zealand Ministry of Heath website at www.moh.govt.nz.

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Asthma

Asthma is a common medical condition in New Zealand. One in six New Zealanders suffer from it.

The symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the chest and wheezing (when you breathe, your chest makes a rattling sound).

Generally asthma is not a serious condition and is usually controlled well by medication.

Some people are vulnerable to asthma however, and experience asthma attacks that can be life threatening. If you think you have the symptoms of asthma you should consult a doctor.

For more information about asthma go to www.asthmanz.co.nz.