Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu Treatment Antiviral drugs Medicines for managing symptoms Vaccine Seasonal flu jab See also: What medicine should I take if I think that I have the flu? in the Questions and answers section. Back to Protecting and caring for yourself and others Antiviral drugs The new influenza A (H1N1) virus can be treated with antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu and Relenza. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or inhaler) that fight against influenza by keeping viruses from reproducing in your body. They make your illness milder and make you feel better, faster. They may also help stop serious influenza complications. The Government has enough of the antiviral medicine Tamiflu to treat around a third of the population. This has recently been supplemented with 135,000 treatment courses of Relenza. These stocks will be used carefully to ensure the maximum benefit is gained for New Zealand. Priority will be to given to frontline health workers and those with less immunity, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with severe existing illnesses. Back to top Medicines for managing symptoms To manage symptoms you can take drugs that relieve pain and fever, eg, paracetamol or ibuprofen (aspirin-type medications should not be used for children and young people). You can also use saline drops or nasal spray or decongestants for soothing and clearing the nose. See also: What to do if you have the flu. Back to top Vaccine There is no vaccine available in New Zealand against the new influenza A (H1N1) virus. When the vaccine does become available, and if it is necessary, the Ministry of Health will provide details on how to get it. Back to top Seasonal flu jab The seasonal flu jab will not provide protection against the new influenza A (H1N1) virus. However, the Ministry of Health strongly advises New Zealanders to have the seasonal influenza vaccination as it will make patients easier to diagnose and treat if they become sick during an influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. Back to top Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page. Page last updated: 25 June 2009

Related information View Tamiflu information and instructions in the Pandemic influenza section.