The four West Coast people who were associated with flight NZ 1 are still without any flu-like symptoms in home quarantine and are completing a course of Tamiflu. Their health continues to be monitored regularly while they are in quarantine.
The West Coast has had a further person who had been in North America within a week who is displaying flu-like symptoms. That person has had tests to determine the nature of their illness and is currently in voluntary quarantine along with three family members. They will also be offered a course of Tamiflu and have their health regularly monitored.
Any persons who have been in Mexico or the United States in the past one week and are experiencing flu-like symptoms are urged to contact their nearest health clinic by phone.
Any other person who is experiencing flu-like symptoms should treat themselves as they would normally do with seasonal influenza.
Maintaining good personal hygiene, frequent hand-washing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing are all keys to preventing the spread of colds and influenza. Persons with influenza should be staying at home while they are unwell to avoid spreading it to others.
The anti-viral drug Tamiflu will be available for purchase at pharmacies over the counter from Friday for persons with influenza symptoms. This is only for those with the flu, it is not for persons to individually stockpile in the event they may contract the illness. It is not a vaccine that will give long term protection against influenza.
Anyone with any personal health concerns regarding the swine flu should contact Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: