How infectious is it?
Because this virus is new, people have no immunity to it so it will spread more quickly and widely than the seasonal flu. The pandemic situation could mean lots of people become sick at the same time and this could have a big impact on our day-to-day lives, and place considerable pressure on the health services.

Experts aren't yet sure how long people who have the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus are infectious and able to pass the virus to others. It appears they could be infectious from a day before they experience symptoms until about seven days after they first experience them.

Children, especially younger children, may be infectious for longer periods. However early use of antiviral medicines, such as Tamiflu, can reduce this infectious period.

Be prepared

If you've got flu symptoms, stay at home until essentially well, that is not sneezing and coughing as this is how the virus spreads. This is usually around three to four days after symptoms start, but may be up to a week.

• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Regularly washing your hands and drying them thoroughly
• Avoiding contact with sick people and reducing time spent in crowded settings.

If your condition worsens, seek medical advice by phoning Healthline 0800 611 116 or your healthcare provider (Mapua.Health Centre - 540 2211).

Get medical advice if you have a serious condition including respiratory disease, heart disease, liver disease, blood disorders and neurological conditions or have a suppressed immune system (including the effects of certain medications such as steroids or known to have HIV).

The following is a message from the Ministry of Health:
Influenza vaccination for pandemic flu (H1N1) is planned to start in February for health care workers and some high risk groups. Based on the northern hemisphere experience, a resurgence of pandemic influenza (H1N1 09) seems likely in late March leading to a peak in late April/early May. The 2010 normal seasonal vaccination programme will include the pandemic strain but it may not be available until mid-late March at the earliest. Therefore the Ministry will offer vaccination with a monovalent pandemic strain to frontline health care workers and some high risk individuals starting in early February.   Delivering the H1N1 monovalent vaccine presents some challenges - how to encourage people to be vaccinated for a winter illness in late summer and making the best use of the vaccine which is in 10 dose vials that must be used within 3 hours. In order to avoid wastage, creative solutions such as dedicated clinics and/or mobile arrangements will be needed in primary care. The details of the local response are to be developed by DHBs, PHOs, local practices and local immunisation coordinators working together. The Ministry will send out a fax with more information in early January.  This will include details of target groups, payments, vaccine supply and timing. Email immunisation@moh.govt.nz for more information.