Demand for medicine and masks set to soar

Photo / AP

Pharmacists are expecting a rush on influenza medicine Tamiflu when access to it is eased on Friday.

Demand for face masks and flu medicine has already been reignited in New Zealand by the international swine flu scare.

Doctors have been writing prescriptions for Tamiflu and pharmacists report renewed interest in buying face masks.

Anti-virus medicines like Tamiflu - which will be available from pharmacists "over-the-counter" from Friday - are the only drug protection against the new strain of swine flu.

Tamiflu capsules can be used to prevent flu virus taking hold and to treat an established flu infection. Some strains are resistant to it, but US health authorities recommend it - and inhaled drug Relenza - for prevention and treatment of infection with the new swine flu.

Tamiflu can be purchased following a consultation with a pharmacist by people who have flu symptoms, but only during the main flu season of May 1 to September 30. At other times people first need a doctor's prescription to buy the drug for treatment - and at all times if the drug is sought for prevention of flu. It costs about $70 for a one-course box of 10 capsules.

Vaccine production could only start after decisions from leading health authorities and the WHO.

Once the seed stock of the virus was available, supply lines of vast numbers of chicken eggs would be established. The virus is multiplied in the specially-prepared eggs, extracted, then the necessary parts of the virus are broken off and processed into vaccine which is purified to ensure the virus is killed.