A leading infectious disease expert says New Zealand should not stop using the anti-flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza, despite a study showing they are not as effective as advertised.
Research published in the British Medical Journal shows the drugs shorten flu symptoms by half a day and do nothing to stop the spread of the disease.
Immunisation Advisory Centre director Nikki Turner, told Morning Report the study focused on the effects of the drugs on seasonal flu in healthy people, not a pandemic situation.
Dr Turner said New Zealand should review its use of anti-virals but shouldn't stop buying the medicines altogether.
"Certainly it's time to think again about our pandemic flu strategy in New Zealand; the role of stockpiling anti-virals," she said.
"But I don't think it's the total answer that we just stop using anti-virals. We're just a lot more cautious and much more aware now they are very limited in what they offer."
Listen to interview with Nikki Turner