Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu What happens in the 'Manage it' phase and what does that mean for me? The spread of Influenza A (H1N1) 'swine flu' virus in our communities means the focus of health services is moving from a 'contain it' to a 'manage it' phase. We expect many New Zealanders will become ill with this virus over the coming months and for the vast majority it will feel, and be treated, like seasonal influenza. The difference between Influenza A (H1N1) and seasonal influenza isn't what it feels like for individual New Zealanders who get sick, but the numbers of people getting sick. This is because it is new and people have not developed any immunity to it. The high number of cases will stretch and challenge our health system. High infection rates will also mean that a lot of people will be off work sick or looking after sick family members. Mild to moderate cases Serious and more severe cases Swabbing and testing Back to Protecting and caring for yourself and others Mild to moderate cases During the 'Manage it' phase, people who become unwell with any type of influenza will be expected to stay home and look after themselves instead of being assessed by the Public Health Services. Most will not need medical help. We will be providing advice and information for the majority of people through: primary care (ie, professional care received in the community usually from your GP or practice nurse) the web the media in some areas, flu centres - to manage high numbers. We expect those who are sick to stay in home isolation in order not to spread the virus, but contacts who are well are not expected to put themselves into quarantine. Back to top Serious and more severe cases Just like seasonal influenza, a small proportion of cases will develop more serious complications, and health services will need to prioritise these cases. People should call their GP if they develop more serious illness or if they have serious chronic conditions (eg, heart failure, severe lung disease, severe asthma) which put them at risk of a more serious illness. Treatment with antivirals – Tamiflu and Relenza – will be prescribed for people with more severe influenza or those at higher risk of complications. Our aim is to make sure hospitals can look after those who develop a more severe illness, get complications or have other medical needs. Back to top Swabbing and testing In the 'Manage it' phase, swabbing and testing to identify the exact type of influenza will be used to support medical management of the more serious cases, or those who are most vulnerable. The majority of New Zealanders who get flu won’t need to be swabbed, and won’t be. Lab testing will also be used for surveillance and to monitor virus behaviour. Back to top Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page. Page last updated: 23 June 2009