Influenza A spike: The viruses going around NZ and how to tell which one you have

Bethany ReitsmaSenior Lifestyle Writer·NZ Herald·20 Aug, 2026 05:00 AM7 mins to read‌As many cold and flu viruses have similar symptoms, it can be hard to tell which one you have. Photo / 123rfAs many cold and flu viruses have similar symptoms, it can be hard to tell which one you have. Photo / 123rfThe symptoms are familiar – a sore, scratchy throat, a stuffy nose, a headache – but is it a cold, the flu or Covid-19? Influenza A is spiking around New Zealand this winter, with the week ending August 16 “particularly bad” for respiratory illness, according to Hannah Cooper, public health