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The New Zealand families affected by the swine flu virus have reacted well to news of confirmation of the illness.
Health officials announced on Tuesday evening that three samples had returned positive tests and are being taken as an indication that eight others have also contracted swine flu.
Responding to media questions, Dr Julia Peters from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, said all of the affected families have been contacted and took the news well.
"We just want to acknowledge the fact that the families have been so co-operative with the need to stay in home isolation, which i'm sure hasn't been easy for them," she says.
The families will remain in isolation until they have completed a 72 hour course of Tamiflu, after which their quarantine can be lifted if no flu symptoms persist.
"We can assume they will then be cured of this illness," says Peters.
ONE News spoke to one of the students following the confirmation of the virus.
"I'm not really too bothered by it ... I feel just fine. I've been told that I should be out in public by Thursday ... i'm feeling fine," he says.
But Rangitoto College principal David Hodge says he was shocked by the results.
"I guess I looked at the symptoms they had and compared them to what was reported to be swine flu and felt that they didn't match. Not only that ... they'd been recovering so quickly that I felt it probably wasn't so it's been quite a shock," he says.
Hodge says he is relieved the students' symptoms were picked up early and have been treated quickly.
Keep up to date with the latest news no matter where you
are with our dedicated swine flu Twitter feed. -
http://twitter.com/SwineFluInNZ
PLUS Health correspondent Lorelei Mason will be keeping you
in the loop on how she is covering the story as it develops
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http://twitter.com/SwineFluNZNews
Got an opinion on this new health concern? Share your thoughts on the message board below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentalwyn said on 2009-06-18 @ 14:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
The general flu causes between 200,000 and 250,000 deaths p.a world wide. Swine flu has caused only a fraction of this number in proportion. There is a temporary cure i.e. Tami flu until a vaccine is produced for H1N1 flu. I don't understand what all the fuss is about?
Janey said on 2009-06-16 @ 09:36 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think NZ media and health service has been far too blase about this outbreak. The UK's BBC news website has been reporting symptoms and PREVENTION for weeks and has an excellent outbreak map, which clearly shows quick acceleration of the virus. The UK's health service posted information leaflets to every home WEEKS ago. My husband works in a a business where the workers come into contact with lots tourists - they only just received a booklet on the virus 2 days ago. NZ, get with the programme!
skeptic said on 2009-06-16 @ 07:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Thank you Mark Sainsbury for telling us the symptoms, and debunking the mythology. Many of us did not even know that we probably have the swine flu which is probably now widespread in our community. It was clear from the outset that authorities were not taking the drastic steps necessary to contain an epidemic. Since they have created an elaborate ritual to prove that they have done everything possible ... Thank God this was not a SERIOUS pandemic.
FightFlu said on 2009-05-04 @ 23:41 NZDT: Report abusive post
I absolutely agree Tis, this particular virus could have been a lot worse. Due to information technology these days we have highly accessible and up to date information to keep us informed, and with knowledge is power. As long as the people remain calm, and keep informed we should be able to keep the Swine Flu at a safe distance.
Tis said on 2009-05-02 @ 11:33 NZDT: Report abusive post
This scare could perhaps prepare us well for a more severe future pandemic - e.g. Ok, so all the focus is on Tamiflu - but what about ensuring enough antibiotics to treat secondary infections from a new influenca - and do we have enough of those machines in hospitals to help people breath when they are in acute respiratory distress - lets hope so!