June 23, 2009
Swine Flu Update 12
The West Coast still only has one confirmed case of non-seasonal swine influenza A (H1N1) in Westport. There are four other probable cases in Westport who were contacts of the confirmed case.
Surveillance data from last week (see below) shows a Coast-wide increase in the rate of influenza-like illness. The rate increased sharply to 147/100,000 which is similar to that seen in Canterbury, and a record for this time of the year for the Coast. Taken together with the finding of a community acquired confirmed case of influenza A/H1N1; this is strongly suggestive that the novel influenza virus is already circulating on the Coast.
Click on the graph to enlarge it.
Most people suffering from influenza 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). Those suffering from influenza should ring their local medical centre or health clinic and follow the instructions given over the phone, rather than simply turning up and requesting an appointment.
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.
- 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:
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