Swine Flu

Advice and information about Influenza A [H1N1] Swine Flu pandemic. 

The first confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) in Tairawhiti was reported on Monday 22 June.  The case is a woman who recently travelled to Auckland but has not been out of New Zealand.  The woman had been contacted by members of the Healthy Populations team and is exhibiting mild flu like symptoms and does not require Tamiflu. This case indicates that this virus is now in our community.

Advice for workplaces

It is business as usual for most workplaces. Staff should stay home only if they have flu-like symptoms or if they have received medical advice to stay home.

Be prepared - at home and in the workplace

• Be prepared - this is the time for people to make sure they're prepared to be self-sufficient for a week, should they need to. This means you should have enough food water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
• Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
• Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag.

Checklists and advice on how you can prepare for a pandemic are available on the Ministry of Health's website