Swine Flu threat – what you can do

August 12, 2010
MEDIA STATEMENT

Swine Flu threat – what you can do

The New Zealand Self Medication Industry (NZSMI), the industry body representing non-prescription consumer healthcare products, said today New Zealanders can do a lot to care for themselves and help reduce the spread of influenza pandemic (H1N1) Swine Flu.

Tim Roper, executive director of the NZSMI, says his organisation supports responsible self-medication and endorses the advice of the Ministry of Health to be thorough about basic hygiene, to consider vaccination, and to stay at home if you are sick.

He says regular handwashing (and drying) as well as covering coughs and sneezes are important in stopping the spread of influenza.

“Clean your hands with hand-sanitising gels when you can’t wash them and regularly wipe down or spray surfaces with disinfectant. People can take steps to build immunity and avoid winter ills through a healthy diet and supplementation with products such as Vitamin C.

“For most people, swine flu is a mild to moderate illness which can be managed at home with medicines that relieve pain and fever, for example, paracetamol or ibuprofen. Sore throats may be relieved by medicated lozenges or gargles.”

He added that aspirin-type medications should not be given to children.

“Parents or caregivers should instead look for medicines specially formulated for children and they should not exceed the recommended dose.”

Nasal sprays or decongestants help soothe and clear blocked noses, he says.

“The local pharmacy or supermarket has a wide range of medicines that can help relieve the symptoms of influenza.”

If the illness worsens, seek medical advice by calling Healthline 0800 611 116 or your healthcare provider.

The symptoms of influenza can include a high fever, headache, cough, sore throat, tiredness and generally aching all over.

If you require more information on Influenza 2010 (including Swine Flu), go to the Ministry of Health website (www.moh.govt.nz/influenza-a-h1n1).

Ends

About SMI: The New Zealand Self-Medication Industry Association Inc (SMI) is the national trade association representing manufacturers, marketers and distributors of a wide range of products, generally available "over-the-counter" (OTC) and mainly for use in self-medication by New Zealand consumers. SMI’s mission is to promote better health through responsible self-care. This means ensuring that safe and effective self-care products are readily available to all New Zealanders at a reasonable cost. SMI works to encourage responsible use by consumers and an increasing role for cost-effective self-medication products as part of the broad national health strategy.

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