The West Coast family that had been in North America and had a family member with flu-like symptoms has received test results confirming that they do not have Type A influenza. The family have since been released from quarantine.
Currently there are no persons on the West Coast who have been in contact with or are suspected to have swine flu (influenza A, H1N1). Therefore there are no persons on the West Coast in isolation or quarantine.
Health authorities will be on alert for at least the next couple of weeks and may need to sustain high levels of vigilance for several more weeks to come.
The measures needed to decrease the risk of contracting seasonal influenza are equally effective against swine flu and are important ways that you can help stay healthy over the upcoming winter.
Cover your coughs and sneezes; wash your hands frequently; stay at home if you are unwell; reduce germs by disinfecting frequently used surfaces; avoid close contact with persons who are unwell; and make sure you have a good stock of household supplies in case you are unwell and need to stay at home for some time.
The anti-viral drug Tamiflu will be available for purchase at pharmacies for persons with influenza symptoms. Taking Tamiflu now will not protect people against possible future infection and may encourage drug resistance in the future. Anyone intending to travel overseas is advised to seek advice from their General Practice about medications they should take with them.
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: