All of the West Coast people who were associated with flight NZ 1 have completed their course of Tamiflu and are being released from home quarantine. They are still without any flu–like symptoms.
Two tourists who had made their way to the West Coast after not complying with their voluntary quarantine have since completed their quarantine and course of Tamiflu and are able to continue their travels.
The West Coast family that had been in North America and has a member who is displaying flu-like symptoms is waiting on test results regarding the nature of the illness. That person is currently in quarantine along with three family members. All have been offered a course of Tamiflu and will have their health regularly monitored. This family of four is the only group currently in quarantine on the West Coast.
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.
Those people who have contact with others should follow usual precautions to decrease the risk of contracting influenza. Avoid close contact with persons who are unwell and wash hands frequently. Regular cleaning of objects that are frequently handled such as telephones, keyboards, door handles and stair rails will also help prevent the passing on of colds and flu. There is no need to ask visitors where they have come from.
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.
The anti-viral drug Tamiflu will be available for purchase at pharmacies over the counter from today 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: