June 19, 2009

Swine Flu Update 10

Currently on the West Coast there are no people in quarantine for swine influenza A (H1N1). Test results received yesterday have all come back negative for swine influenza A (H1N1). There are no suspect cases currently.

New Zealand is moving to a "manage it" phase as part of our response to the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak. The shift in phase reflects the increased spread of the virus, rather than a change in the severity of the illness, especially in three of our main centres - Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. This has been predicted since rapid spread started occurring in Australia.  It is inevitable that spread to the West Coast will occur, if it has not already done so.

The West Coast will be following Canterbury and moving into the 'manage it' phase.

1. There is now evidence of extensive spread of swine flu in Canterbury. Most people experience a mild to moderate illness, and recover without needing medical care.
2. People with mild or moderate influenza-like illness will be encouraged to look after themselves at home.
3. National Stockpile Tamiflu will be prioritised for people with severe disease or symptomatic people at high risk of complications.
4. Routine testing of suspect cases will cease. Testing by sentinel influenza surveillance practices will continue.
5. "Containment" strategies, including public health follow-up of cases, contacts and work and education settings will cease.
6. Border operations will focus on providing information to travelers, with exit screening for flights to some Pacific Island nations.
7. Community and Public Health will concentrate on monitoring and surveillance and on supporting measures to reduce community transmission.
8. There will no longer be updates regarding numbers of suspect cases.

The shift in New Zealand's response is in keeping with the World Health Organisation's assessment that the overall severity of the disease is moderate, but spreading globally. Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care.

An important part of this approach includes individuals being prepared to look after themselves at home in the same way they would with seasonal flu.

Some activities at the border will continue, providing health information to people arriving in New Zealand and advice as necessary.

The Ministry is not advising people to cancel social gatherings, sports events and travel. However, there are practical steps that individuals and communities can take to reduce the community spread of the virus. These steps include practising good hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes. If you are sick, stay home until you have fully recovered as you can easily spread the germs to others.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme
As part of the management of the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak, the Ministry of Health has purchased an extra 125,000 doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine, which is still available for use.

The fewer people who contract seasonal influenza, the fewer hospitalisations will occur. The people most at risk of complications are those who are in the group eligible for the free programme. If more of this group are vaccinated, it means there will be a better chance of being able to deal with the increasing numbers of people likely to be hospitalized with complications from Influenza A (H1N1).

The Ministry of Health is strongly encouraging frontline health workers to be vaccinated for seasonal influenza. This means hospitals and other frontline health services will be better able to cope with the increased demand over the winter months.

Advice for workplaces

It is business as usual for most workplaces.  Everyone should be following good infection control (see below).

Staff should stay home if they are unwell or if they have received medical advice to stay home.

How to protect yourself and others

• Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings.
• Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work.
• If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. Most people will be able to safely recover at home.
• You should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone first), for example if you have a serious underlying health condition or your condition worsens. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions, who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza. If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116 in the first instance, or your GP. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.
• If you are caring for someone with the flu, watch for signs that they may need further medical attention, including: difficulty breathing, chest pain, blueness around the lips, inability to keep fluids down, becoming less alert or developing confusion. More information can be found on the Victorian Health website and Centre for Disease Control website.

Be Prepared - at home and in the workplace

• Be prepared - This is the time for people to make sure they're prepared to be self-sufficient for a week, should they need to. This means you should have enough food water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
• Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water regularly and dry them thoroughly.
• Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag

More information on influenza can be obtained from the following sources:

• www.westcoastdhb.org.nz/health_advice/pandemic_influenza
• www.health.govt.nz
• www.fluinfo.org.nz

Anyone with any personal health concerns regarding the swine flu should contact Healthline on 0800 611 116.

For more information please contact

Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: 

or

Dr Cheryl Brunton
Medical Officer of Health, West Coast
Community and Public Health
3 Tarapuhi Street
PO Box 443
Greymouth
Phone: (03) 768-1160
Fax: (03) 768-1169