Influenza 2010 Treatment Antiviral drugs Medicines for managing symptoms Seasonal flu vaccine 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 Pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) 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. 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 Seasonal flu vaccine This year’s seasonal influenza vaccine will offer protection from Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) as well as two other seasonal strains. Vaxigrip®, Fluvax® and Influvax® are the three vaccines that will be used to immunise people in New Zealand this year. The seasonal influenza vaccine is free for eligible people from early March 2010. If you are not eligible for the free seasonal influenza vaccine, you can either purchase the vaccine or receive it as part of a workplace immunisation programme. Back to top Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page. Page last updated: 24 February 2010

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