Latest numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 587, up 64 from 523 yesterday. There are 286 current confirmed cases (confirmed within last seven days).

National Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 case numbers for New Zealand.

Notes:

• Confirmed cases refer only to those that have been laboratory confirmed and are therefore an underestimate of the total number of cases.
• Data collected from EpiSurv.
• *Number includes all cases confirmed for ≤7 days from report date.

International Update from the World Health Organization

As at 26 June 2009 0:700 GMT, 59,814 confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported, with 263 deaths.

For a breakdown of confirmed cases by country and regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic go to the WHO website (http://www.who.int)

Current Australian confirmed cases of, and deaths associated with, H1N1 Influenza 09 (as provided by Australian Department of Health and Ageing at 1200 AEST on 29 June 2009)

* Case confirmed with H1N1 Influenza 09, cause of death includes pneumonia.
** Laboratory results confirmed H1N1 Influenza 09 subsequent to death for one of the cases.

How to protect yourself and others

• Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings.
• Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work.
• If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. Most people will be able to safely recover at home.
• You should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone first), for example if you have a serious underlying health condition or your condition worsens. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions, who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza. If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116 in the first instance, or your GP. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.
• If you are caring for someone with flu, watch for signs that they may need further medical attention, including: shortness of breath, chest pain, blueness around the lips, inability to keep fluids down, becoming less alert or lightheadedness. More information can be found on the websites of the Department of Human Services of the State Government of Victoria in Australia (http://humanswineflu.health.vic.gov.au/public/what_to_expect.htm) and the Centers for Disease Control in the US (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm).

Be prepared – at home and in the workplace

• Be prepared - This is the time for people to make sure they’re prepared to be self-sufficient for a week, should they need to. This means you should have enough water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
• Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself and others. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
• Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag
• Checklists and advice on how individuals and families can prepare for a pandemic are available on the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/pandemicinfluenza-resources