Child flu hospitalisations drop sharply, under-fives see biggest weekly decline
Hospital admissions for flu-like illness among children fell for the first time since August, with under-fives experiencing a drop of more than 40% in one week.
PHF Science figures for the week to 13 September indicate that child flu hospitalisations have decreased for the first time since August, suggesting the outbreak may be receding. The decline was most pronounced among children under five, whose admission rate dropped by over 40% to 173 per 100,000. Across all ages, hospital activity is now classified as "medium" after a stretch of "very high" levels, yet total admissions remain above the 2025 peak, keeping pressure on hospitals.
One outlet's reports the fewest flu-like illness calls since 2 August, but the lower North Island continues to see high call volumes. Bridget Farrant, clinical lead at Kidz First Hospital in South Auckland, noted that severe acute respiratory infections are still common and urged vaccination, hand hygiene, and keeping sick children at home. The flu vaccine is free for under-fives, and hospitalized children may require oxygen, respiratory support, or other specialist care.
