source: The number of deaths in New Zealand in which swine flu is a factor has risen to five.
Chief Coroner Neil MacLean confirmed two deaths on Wednesday afternoon.
Judge MacLean said a Christchurch man, 49, who suffered from asthma died at the weekend, while a Blenheim man, 46, with pre-existing health problems died last Wednesday. Both had contracted swine flu.
It was announced over the weekend that it is “strongly probable” that the swine flu virus was a major factor in the deaths of three people in Hamilton, Christchurch and Wellington.
Meanwhile, Wellington’s Capital and Coast District Health Board says a 30-year-old woman with respiratory problems is being moved from intensive care to a ward.
Hospitals in Northland and the Auckland region have seven patients in intensive care with swine flu and 38 inpatients with flu-like illnesses.
Cantabrians told to call regional helpline
Health authorities in Canterbury are asking people who think they need Tamiflu to stay home and call a regional flu helpline, instead of going to pharmacies or doctors’ surgeries and risk spreading swine flu.
District health board pandemic adviser Paul McCormack says people who call the line will be assessed at the region’s flu centre, and given the drug if they need it.
Dr McCormack says it is important to protect primary health workers from the spread of the virus and prevent the health service from collapsing due to staff shortages.
He says most people can recover from the flu at home, but people at risk of developing complications from swine flu should call for help. To keep waiting periods down, people are being given appointment times at the flu centre.
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