Sally Furniss
Well-known member
Swine flu anxiety raised
Rodney Times
Last updated 09:07 07/07/2009
Residents are being warned to be on guard for swine flu.
Thousands of calls have flooded a helpline after the deaths of three people.
The victims all had existing medical conditions, but the flu is also hitting the healthy.
A Wellington woman with no underlying medical issues was in a critical condition in intensive care unit on Sunday night.
The Health Ministry announced New Zealand’s first deaths on Saturday.
They included an eight-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who tested positive and died at Wellington hospital on Saturday morning.
A 42-year-old man who died on Thursday in Christchurch also had underlying conditions.
Chief coroner Neil MacLean says it was also probable that swine flu was a major factor in the death of Zachary Wilson, 19, who died at home in Hamilton last Sunday.
Health Minister Tony Ryall says the recent deaths are "to be expected".
He says there was more pressure on emergency departments this winter as hospitals in Wellington and Auckland were swamped.Pharmacists are feeling the pressure as they respond to unprecedented patient queries.
The Community Pharmacy Leaders’ Forum is urging officials to recognise the role pharmacists play.
Forum members are concerned their role is not sufficiently recognised.
"Pharmacies are the first place people go for health advice," forum chairman Alan Wham says.
"Pharmacists need more support and need to be better integrated into decisions and actions being taken by public health officials."
Pharmacist Warren Flaunty of Taupaki says Tamiflu can be prescribed by either a pharmacist or a doctor.
"However, it can only be prescribed by pharmacists from May 1 to September 30, to patients more than 12 years old.
"Patients can only get it for treatment, not in advance of need, prevention, or non-seasonal strains of the virus."
Waikato medical officer of health Felicity Dumble says people with mild influenza should keep fluids up and stay at home.
Anyone who thinks they have the flu and who has other medical conditions should call Healthline on 0800-611-116 or their doctor.
People should also seek medical advice if flu symptoms worsen, for example if they are having difficulty breathing.
DEATH TOLL
As of Monday, New Zealand had 961 confirmed swine flu cases and three deaths.
Australia has had more than 5250 confirmed cases and 10 deaths.
Worldwide on Friday there had been 89,921 cases, including 382 deaths.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/rodney-times/2570691/Swine-flu-anxiety-raised
Rodney Times
Last updated 09:07 07/07/2009
Residents are being warned to be on guard for swine flu.
Thousands of calls have flooded a helpline after the deaths of three people.
The victims all had existing medical conditions, but the flu is also hitting the healthy.
A Wellington woman with no underlying medical issues was in a critical condition in intensive care unit on Sunday night.
The Health Ministry announced New Zealand’s first deaths on Saturday.
They included an eight-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who tested positive and died at Wellington hospital on Saturday morning.
A 42-year-old man who died on Thursday in Christchurch also had underlying conditions.
Chief coroner Neil MacLean says it was also probable that swine flu was a major factor in the death of Zachary Wilson, 19, who died at home in Hamilton last Sunday.
Health Minister Tony Ryall says the recent deaths are "to be expected".
He says there was more pressure on emergency departments this winter as hospitals in Wellington and Auckland were swamped.Pharmacists are feeling the pressure as they respond to unprecedented patient queries.
The Community Pharmacy Leaders’ Forum is urging officials to recognise the role pharmacists play.
Forum members are concerned their role is not sufficiently recognised.
"Pharmacies are the first place people go for health advice," forum chairman Alan Wham says.
"Pharmacists need more support and need to be better integrated into decisions and actions being taken by public health officials."
Pharmacist Warren Flaunty of Taupaki says Tamiflu can be prescribed by either a pharmacist or a doctor.
"However, it can only be prescribed by pharmacists from May 1 to September 30, to patients more than 12 years old.
"Patients can only get it for treatment, not in advance of need, prevention, or non-seasonal strains of the virus."
Waikato medical officer of health Felicity Dumble says people with mild influenza should keep fluids up and stay at home.
Anyone who thinks they have the flu and who has other medical conditions should call Healthline on 0800-611-116 or their doctor.
People should also seek medical advice if flu symptoms worsen, for example if they are having difficulty breathing.
DEATH TOLL
As of Monday, New Zealand had 961 confirmed swine flu cases and three deaths.
Australia has had more than 5250 confirmed cases and 10 deaths.
Worldwide on Friday there had been 89,921 cases, including 382 deaths.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/rodney-times/2570691/Swine-flu-anxiety-raised