Mother's quest for for Tamiflu fails

MARTY SHARPE/ Dominion Post

DENIED: Phyllis Mataruarua, who tried to buy Tamiflu for her son Thomas, right, was told he had a common cold.

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Like others around New Zealand, Hastings mother Phyllis Mataruarua was turned down when she went to her local chemist to buy Tamiflu.

The anti-viral drug went on sale over the counter at pharmacies yesterday only to people who presented with flu symptoms.

Mrs Mataruarua went to buy the medicine for her son, Thomas and as a precautionary measure for other members of her family.

However, after an extensive series of questions about Thomas's symptoms and possible exposure to swine flu, pharmacist Rory Bashnick told Mrs Mataruarua that he probably had the common cold. He could not give her the drugs as a preventative measure either, he said.

The restrictions on Tamiflu are designed to curb inappropriate use, which could spread resistant strains.

Officials also fear that unscrupulous people could buy Tamiflu from pharmacies and sell quantities to foreign buyers over the internet, depriving New Zealanders of vital supplies.

TradeMe pulled six listings for Tamiflu from the internet auction site yesterday.

Some chemists have criticised the official advice, saying it will encourage flu sufferers to visit pharmacies and spread the disease.

However, the director of public health, Mark Jacobs, said anyone at risk of carrying swine flu those who had returned from affected areas and had flu symptoms should phone a health professional.

They would be treated as suspected swine flu cases and given free Tamiflu from the national stockpile.

- © Fairfax NZ News