June 22, 2009

Swine Flu Update 11

Both seasonal influenza and non-seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) virus are now spreading in some of our communities. The overall severity of the disease is moderate.

The West Coast has had its first confirmed case of non-seasonal swine influenza A (H1N1) in Westport. The person did not require hospitalisation and is recovering.

The vast majority of people contracting the virus in New Zealand are experiencing relatively mild to moderate symptoms. Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care.

The shift in New Zealand's response to a "manage it" phase reflects this continued increase in the number of cases as well as the moderate severity of the disease. Health services need to be focused on those who need them the most - people with more severe illness or who are at risk of severe illness. This includes those with existing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, severe asthma and other severe respiratory illnesses.

Most people will be able to care for themselves at home without the need for medical attention. However, a person should seek medical care if they develop flu and they have other significant health problems, or if they become more seriously ill (for example, if they experience shortness of breath).

Antiviral drugs (Tamiflu and Relenza) can be effective in treating the illness and reducing the severity of the disease particularly if treatment is started within the first 48 hours from when symptoms occur, and their use is being limited to people with more severe illness or who are at higher risk of developing more severe illness.

Influenza A (H1N1) is a new virus and one to which most people have no or little immunity. In light of this, we expect that the virus will cause many more infections than are seen with seasonal or ordinary winter flu. This new influenza appears to be as contagious as ordinary winter flu.
Health authorities will continue to track the spread of the virus through the national surveillance system of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). There will not be swabs of suspected cases routinely taken. Laboratory testing will be carried out only in limited clinical circumstances, and as part of surveillance and to monitor the behaviour of the virus.

Border management is still a part of the Government's response and will remain so. Activities at the border will continue, principally providing health information to people arriving in New Zealand and advice as necessary.

There is no need to alter normal behaviour or cancel social gatherings, sports events and travel. But good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of the virus. This includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, and cleaning hard surfaces like door handles frequently.

If you are sick, stay home until you have fully recovered as you can easily spread the germs to others. General information on the signs and symptoms of the new influenza, and advice on limiting the spread of infection and how to care for yourself at home are available on the Ministry of Health website.

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:

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:

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