Ms Roxon says the vast majority of people have mild symptoms and do not need to take Tamiflu unless they are in a vulnerable category and or their doctor has advised it and she has urged pregnant women to avoid anyone who is sick or has swine flu symptoms as the virus has triggered the premature birth of several babies and a number of expectant mothers have needed intensive care.

As from January next year, all pregnant women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 15 to 50 will be able to access the seasonal flu vaccine free from their GPs and those aged six months to 64 who are considered to be medically at risk, including the chronically ill, will also qualify for free flu shots - currently, the vaccine is only available free to seniors aged 65 and over.

According to Ms Roxon the spread of swine flu appears to have peaked but she cautions against complacency as the situation will remain difficult for months to come and health services are expected to be under extreme pressure and this may result in some elective surgery being delayed.