Swine flu teen no longer critical

A Wellington teenager in intensive care with swine flu has improved from critical to a serious but stable condition.

Wellington Hospital spokesman Michael Tull said the 17-year-old woman's status was downgraded this morning.

The woman had no underlying health conditions, making her one of the few healthy people suffering such a severe case of swine flu.

A 29-year-old man with suspected swine flu and no underlying medical conditions also spent time in intensive care after being admitted to Gisborne hospital on Friday.

He had respiratory problems and was in a stable condition and improving, a hospital spokesperson said.

He had recently returned to Gisborne from Britain and confirmation of his illness was expected by Wednesday.

The country's first three deaths from the virus were announced on Saturday, and Health Minister Tony Ryall said more deaths were expected.

Mr Ryall told Radio New Zealand people with underlying medical conditions were most likely to suffer more severe forms of swine flu, and it was important those suffering severe cases called their GP or Healthline, where registered nurses were answering calls around the clock on 0800 611 116.

When asked if more New Zealanders were expected to die from the virus, he said "sadly, that is the case".

"Every year we lose just over 400 New Zealanders to flu or flu-related complications [and] swine flu is going to increase that number...we will have potentially more cases."

A young girl who died yesterday morning in Wellington Hospital and a 42-year-old man who died on Thursday in Christchurch both had underlying medical conditions.

The coroner will investigate whether any medical conditions played a part in the death of Zachary Wilson, 19, from Hamilton, who died at home last Sunday without having been diagnosed with swine flu.

As of yesterday, 961 cases of swine flu had been confirmed in New Zealand, up from 945 a day earlier.

- NZPA