February this year was busier than usual with plenty on my schedule including an excellent seminar on Winter Wellness for Seniors.
Focusing on a range of winter ailments, such as influenza and the still present Covid virus, the seminar featured a panel of speakers:
- Hon Tracey Martin, Chief Executive, Aged Care Association of NZ
- Sir Ashley Bloomfield, Professor, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Interim CEO, ESR (Institute for Environmental Science & Research)
- Dr Michael Baker, Professor of Public Health, University of Otago
- Dr Bryan Betty, Chair, General Practice New Zealand (GPNZ)
- James Westbury, Director, Westbury Pharmacy, Board Member New Zealand Pharmacy Guild
- Dr Julianne Bayliss, Medical Director, CSL Seqirus
Information was of great value to our senior sector. We learned that Covid is still alive and kicking in New Zealand with a staggering 900 Covid patients and 300 influenza patients being hospitalised in New Zealand during 2024. As I understand it, people are still dying from Covid.
Other pertinent items included:
- The longer you remain Covid infectious, the more likely you are to contract Long Covid.
- Covid vaccinations do not prevent the disease but stimulate the immune system to fight it and help to protect from severe illness. The vaccination last for only four months, so six-monthly boosters are advised.
- Influenza vaccinations also last four months but an annual vaccination is all that’s required to manage the winter period.
Tracey Martin is presently investigating the use of the Covid APP and how it might be adapted to store all of a person’s current vaccinations. This would ensure they remain up to date with vaccines and immunisations, especially if travelling overseas.
Grey Power believes this is a positive initiative and we will follow up with Ms Martin as to her findings.
As seniors I believe we should use all available procedures to minimise our risk and protect ourselves when it comes to winter illnesses. Struggling with respiratory illness and its associated symptoms is no fun, so, please take all necessary steps to maintain wellness over the coming months.
And, on that note, I am soon heading for Grey Power’s annual general meeting in Wellington and this month delegates also meet with the Health Minister Simeon Brown. There will plenty to report on in the next issue.
Take care, all, Gayle.
