Influenza and swine flu
Influenza vaccination
Winter 2009: New Zealand is entering flu season and at the same time swine flu has arrived on our shores. To protect yourself against seasonal influenza you can have a vaccination against influenza (the 'flu') - free for many until the end of September 2009. However, this vaccination does not currently protect against swine flu. People whose health is particularly at risk from the flu should also consider the pneumococcal vaccine, as pneumonia is a possible complication of the flu. Also see www.influenza.org.nz
Swine flu - influenza A (H1N1) |
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 If you feel you are getting flu-like symptoms - fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue (some people also may have diarrhoea and vomiting) - stay at home and look after yourself as you would for the normal seasonal flu. If you think you need some medical help, call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 first, rather than turning up to a hospital and clinic and spreading the infection.
For updated notices on swine flu in New Zealand from the Ministry of Health visit the Influenza A (H1N1) section of the ministry's website.
For information about Tamiflu, visit the Medsafe consumer information sheet on Tamiflu. |
Associated Products & Services
Medicines Information - Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) is useful information about your medicine and is written especially for you. CMI contains advice such as what the medicine is used for, how it should be taken, what side effects can occur, whether you can drive or drink alcohol while taking the medicine, and what to do if you miss a dose. However, CMI do not contain all the available information about the medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking the medicine.
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