Tamiflu

Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health division has been in contact with 37 people in Canterbury who were on the same flight as the Auckland students suspected of having swine flu.

Results of tests taken last week from the performing arts student group who had returned last Tuesday from a trip to North America has confirmed one of the group from Lindisfarne College positive for Influenza A (H1N1).

New Zealand situation

Canterbury’s senior clinical leaders are asking their colleagues to avoid prescribing Tamiflu to people who are well and focus on prescribing the medicine to the few people who are significantly unwell from influenza.

Nine people from Hawke’s Bay were on the same flight as the Auckland students suspected of having swine flu

Pregnant women or those who have given birth in the previous ten days are advised to phone their GP or the Canterbury Flu Line (0800 37 30 37) promptly if they become unwell with flu-like symptoms.

Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Jacobs announced tonight that results from some of the Rangitoto College party who tested positive to Influenza A on Sunday, have also tested positive for Swine Flu H1N1.

Results from the 4th H1N1 test

Patients who present with clear signs of influenza will be able to purchase Tamiflu without a prescription from their local community pharmacist from this Friday May 1. However, the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand is reminding the public that pharmacists can only sell Tamiflu to patients who display symptoms of influenza and cannot sell it to patients who are concerned that they may develop influenza.

Sixth Confirmed Case

New Zealand situation –Updated numbers

Case numbers in New Zealand remain stable and we are maintaining our vigilance. Given the continuing increase in the number of overseas cases being notified to the World Health Organization, we also plan to strengthen messages to travellers coming into New Zealand

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand remains at 10. The cumulative total of probable cases also remains at 10.

Anyone suffering flu-like symptoms who has travelled from Mexico, and other parts of Central or North America over the past two weeks, should stay at home and phone their doctor for medical advice immediately.