ID :
67320
Tue, 06/23/2009 - 20:01
Auther :

Fielding taking Tamiflu as precaution

Family First's Steve Fielding has defied medical advice and potentially exposed
thousands of people to the swine flu virus by turning up to Parliament House in
Canberra.
Senator Fielding is taking the antiviral drug Tamiflu as a precaution because his
sister-in-law has the virus and is quarantined at his home in Melbourne.
Despite possibly being infected with the virus, Senator Fielding arrived at
Parliament House on Tuesday. About 3,000 people work there during sitting weeks.
Referring to his sister-in-law, Senator Fielding said: "No one else was able to look
after her.
"One of the doctors in the lower house suggested I shouldn't be here this week
because I could be contaminating parliament and parliament may need to be shut down.
"(But) I feel okay, I do feel fine. If I do come up with a fever I will certainly be
checked out."
Health Minister Nicola Roxon said her advice to Senator Fielding was the same as to
everyone else.
"People who have the flu should stay home," she said.
"Those vulnerable to the severe effects from swine flu should seek medical advice if
they are unwell.
"Those who are well should continue their normal activities including going to work
and school."
Tamiflu from the national or state stockpiles is only being provided to people with
moderate or severe symptoms or those with underlying conditions.
Two people suffering swine flu have died in Australia, including a 35-year-old man
from western Victoria, whose death was made public on Tuesday.

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