Update on New Zealand Influenza Situation

Visitors planning to travel to New Zealand who would like to find out more about how New Zealand is dealing with Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) are advised to read the following information provided by New Zealand’s Ministry of Health.

For information about what to do if you develop Influenza after arriving in New Zealand, please click here.

Questions and Answers for Travellers

Before you leave home

Seek advice on Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 09 (commonly known as ‘Swine Flu’) before leaving for New Zealand. Your local medical authorities will advise on any precautions that should be taken before leaving and while you are in transit. This may include advice on medication, personal hygiene and other precautions.

Now that Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 09 is spreading around the world, including in New Zealand, you need to be well-informed about what you need to do if you become unwell with an influenza-like illness before you leave home or while travelling in New Zealand.

Are there any restrictions on travel?

The New Zealand Government does not have any restrictions on travel to New Zealand at present. All New Zealand international airports are open and operating normally and there have been no cancellations of international services into New Zealand as a result of the influenza pandemic.

What can I expect on arrival to New Zealand?

It’s business as usual at international airports. Normal arrival processes are operating. Written information is available at international airports on signs and symptoms of pandemic influenza, and where you can get advice if you get sick.

What are the symptoms and who should I contact?

Most people with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) will be able to care for themselves. Most people will not need to see a doctor. Only those people at increased risk of more serious illness, or people becoming more seriously ill, need to contact a doctor.

Symptoms of influenza and Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 09 can include a headache, fever, chills, cough, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and sore throat. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may occur in adults as well as in children. In more severe cases, complications such as pneumonia may develop.

Symptoms which may require further medical advice include difficulty breathing or chest pain, a persistent high temperature, drowsiness, severe vomiting or a cough with blood or green phlegm. Further information about symptoms which require medical advice is also on the Ministry of Health website.

For people whose flu symptoms get worse (as described above), pregnant women and those with chronic underlying health conditions, they should phone a doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 (freephone). Healthline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides information and advice. The service is free and is staffed by registered nurses. You can call from a mobile phone, and translators are available.

Tourism operators, hotels and motels will have contact details for local doctors. Contact details for registered medical practitioners and medical centres can be found at the front of all local telephone directories (phone books).

It is important to use the phone first in order to avoid potentially infecting others.

Who will pay for my medical care if I don’t have travel insurance?

Visitors to New Zealand will need to meet at least some of the cost of medical care themselves. This is likely to be the cost of visiting a doctor which can be between $80 NZD and $100 NZD plus the additional cost of medication if you are not seriously ill. If you have mild to moderate symptoms of influenza, Tamiflu can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies for around $75 a course and does not require a prescription.

Tamiflu will be provided at no charge from the national stockpile for higher risk people who are unwell, and for people who are more seriously ill.

Please note that if you require medical care for any condition unrelated to Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 09 you will be responsible for paying for the costs of health care.

If I get sick will I be quarantined in New Zealand?

Now that the virus is spreading within New Zealand, isolation and quarantine of cases and contacts among incoming travellers is no longer a focus. If you do get sick you are asked to isolate yourself (stay away from other people and don't go out in public) until you have recovered, or for 72 hours if you complete a course of anti-viral medication.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel.

Will I be able to get help if my English language skills are not very good?

Yes. Local District Health Boards have access to translators in a range of languages. When you phone to make an appointment with a doctor or speak to a health professional ask for a translator.

Healthline 0800 611 116 has translators to assist non-English speaking visitors to New Zealand. When you call Healthline please tell the operator that you do not speak English and a translator will join the call to assist you.

How can I protect myself and others from influenza?

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Do this particularly before preparing food and eating or smoking after coughing, sneezing, wiping children’s noses, visiting the toilet or changing nappies, but also regularly during the day.

Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then put the used tissue in a bin. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Remember to wash and dry your hands after coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you develop flu-like symptoms and need to seek medical advice, contact a doctor by phone first to avoid potentially infecting others. Contact details for registered medical practitioners and medical centres can be found at the front of local telephone directories (phone books).

Travellers who are concerned about their health may also contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 (freephone) 24 hours a day, seven days a week for information and advice. Healthline is a free service staffed by registered nurses.
If you develop flu symptoms, stay away from other people and don't go out in public until you are well.

Do I need to wear a face mask?

Currently in New Zealand if you are not sick you don’t need to wear a mask. If you are caring for someone with suspected Influenza A (H1N1) you should wear a mask.

If you are sick you should try to stay away from other people. However, if you need to go out to seek medical attention it's a good idea to wear a mask if you have one.

For more detailed information please visit the Ministry of Health website and click on the Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu heading or go to their Twitter page.

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health, 28 July 2009

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