Tairawhiti today has had its first confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1).

The case has occurred in a lady who had recently travelled to Auckland. She had not travelled out of New Zealand.

The woman is suffering mild flu like symptoms and does not require a course of Tamiflu.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Geoff Cramp said the positive case had confirmed what Tairawhiti District Health staff had suspected, that since the virus has been spreading in other New Zealand communities that it would soon appear here.

Like the rest of New Zealand, healthcare professionals in Gisborne had moved into "managing" the pandemic as opposed to continuing to try and contain the virus.

"We will now not be looking for the virus in everyone with flu like symptoms and will not be asking anyone to stay in quarantine," said Dr Cramp.

"Most cases are very mild and can be managed at home with fluids, rest and paracetamo. Tamiflu is best used only when someone has bad symptoms." he said.

"In the days ahead Tairawhiti District Health is going to work with GPs to decide the best way to manage the people who become unwell.

"Most cases of this flu are very minor and our community can help GPs immensely by staying at home if their symptoms are mild and only phoning their doctor if they get worse," he said.

Anybody experiencing warning signs of a bad influenza illness such as fast breathing, difficulty breathing, chest pain on coughing, severe vomiting or if they are concerned for their child they should seek medical attention by phoning their GP.

"People who have a flu like illness should always try to stop spreading the illness and one way to do this is to stay off work."

If anyone is unwell the best things we can do to stop the spread of any type of influenza virus is to: stay at home and away from others cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue put used tissues into a rubbish bin avoid touching our eyes, nose or mouth - germs spread that way keep surfaces clean at home, school and work Washing hands is always the best way to stop infection - be careful to wash hands often with soap and dry them thoroughly so keep to the 20/20 rule - 20 seconds washing and 20 seconds drying

The signs and symptoms of the flu are a high fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, cough, sore throat, or a runny nose.

If anyone has the flu they should remain at home, drink plenty of water, keep warm and take paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Above all the message is to wash hands, use tissues, remain at home if unwell, drink plenty of water and some paracetamol and if needed to seek medical help.