Influenza 2010
Influenza (the flu) is an infectious illness which spreads very easily from person to person. Influenza is more common during the winter months. In 2009, a new strain of influenza called pandemic influenza H1N1 (swine flu) emerged around the world, including in New Zealand. Pandemic influenza H1N1 is still expected to be one of the influenza viruses which will circulate in New Zealand in the 2010 flu season.
Information for health professionals in the Auckland region
Auckland Regional Public Health Service has compiled a list of answers to frequently asked questions which may be helpful for health professionals in the Auckland region.
Use the H1N1 notification form (60 kB Word) to notify a confirmed case of pandemic influenza H1N1 to Auckland Regional Public Health Service. The GP algorithm (90 kB pdf) for general practicioners in the Auckland region includes clinical guidance, treatment guidance, and a list of the community pharmacies in the Auckland region which stock government funded antivirals.
The Ministry of Health's latest guidance on the diagnosis and management of pandemic influenza (130 kB Word) provides useful clinical guidance for GPs and hospital clinicians.
Influenza and pandemic influenza fact sheet
Auckland Regional Public Health Service has produced a fact sheet about influenza and pandemic influenza (70 kB pdf).
Advice for residential institutions, early childhood education centres and schools
Auckland Regional Public Health Service's advice for residential institutions, early childhood education centres (ECECs) and schools (250 kB pdf) in the Auckland region on managing cases of seasonal and pandemic influenza.
Ministry of Health Influenza 2010 web pages
There is a lot of useful information about influenza and pandemic influenza on the Ministry of Health website.
Get immunised
Having an influenza immunisation each year is the best protection against influenza.
Know if you are at high risk
Some groups of people are at higher risk of developing complications if they get pandemic influenza or seasonal influenza.
Know the symptoms
Influenza is different to a cold, and can be a much more serious illness. The Ministry of Health has information about the symptoms and signs of influenza.
Seek medical advice
If you or someone you are looking after has influenza and is getting worse, or has certain warning symptoms or signs, you should call your GP for advice or call Healthline on 0800 611 166. The Ministry of Health has guidance on when you should seek medical advice
Know how to care for yourself and others
Know how to protect yourself and others, what to do if you have the flu, how to care for someone else with the flu, and what treatments are available (including antiviral drugs and medicines for managing symptoms).
More Information
Information for health professionals
Information for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
