Minister: NZ can cope with flu

Swine flu is going to become widespread but resources and plans have been set up to deal with it, Health Minister Tony Ryall told Parliament yesterday.

He said it was now being treated like the usual seasonal flu.

"As a result of the tremendous efforts of public health authorities and primary care professionals, New Zealand has delayed the likely peak of the swine flu beyond the annual winter flu peak," Mr Ryall said.

"I have been advised that this flu will become very widespread - the number of confirmed cases has grown by a fifth overnight."

The Ministry of Health yesterday, put the number of confirmed cases at 364 - up 61 from the previous day.

Mr Ryall told Parliament about the move from containment to management of the epidemic, which was announced on Friday.

"As of today, 12 of the 21 district health board areas are in the management phase with a further four expected by the weekend," he said.

Mr Ryall said the rate of spread would put pressure on hospital emergency departments and GP clinics in particular.

"For example, there may well be lengthier delays in emergency departments and some surgery may need to be deferred because of pressure on hospital beds and staff."

He said that because nearly all cases of swine flu were mild, the national stockpile of the Tamiflu anti-viral drug was being conserved for a possible second wave of a more serious nature.

"Although the flu will become very widespread, that is expected," he said.

* Australia reported its second swine flu-related death yesterday. A 35-year-old, who had a range of medical problems, died in hospital in Melbourne on Saturday.

- NZPA