A leading expert on viruses says the number of people dying this year from swine flu is a concern.
Dr Lance Jennings says it is also worrying that such a large number of young people are becoming seriously ill this year.
There have been 15 deaths linked to the H1N1 pandemic so far.
In an interview with RadioLIVE this morning, Dr Jennings says public health officials had prepared for the second wave, however its impact has been severe.
There have been fewer cases than last year, but they are more serious.
“Certainly the number of deaths is of concern, particularly when we are aware that this is a severe viral infection,” he said.
All five of this weeks’ swine flu deaths were in Auckland.
RadioLIVE