July 2, 2009

Swine Flu Update 16

The numbers of people diagnosed with swine influenza A(H1N1) on the West Coast continues to rise with six confirmed cases from both urban and rural areas. Today there are two people in the Buller District, three in the Grey District and one in the Westland District. This is the total number of people who have had the swine influenza A(H1N1) confirmed by laboratory testing. There are likely to be many more people who have contracted influenza and are following the recommended procedure of staying at home and keeping warm and hydrated.

If you are feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms and feel that you need to see a doctor it is important that you phone the surgery, clinic or hospital first. If you are unsure whether you should see a doctor or not, phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 or the clinic itself.

Please do not turn up at the surgery, clinic or hospital unannounced. All medical facilities have plans regarding how best to attend to the needs of patients suffering from the flu. By following the instructions you will be given over the phone you will be helping to safeguard other patients and staff from infection.

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

Things to watch out for are:

• If you've been unwell for three or four days and are not getting any better or are feeling worse
• A high temperature (above 38.3oC) that is not responding to attempts to reduce it
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach
• If you cough up bloody or green phlegm
• Blue skin around the lips and/or blue skin on fingertips
• Severe pain in the ear(s)
• Severe vomiting
• Difficulty waking up or feeling disoriented or confused
• Fits or uncontrolled shaking
• If you started to feel better but then get a high fever and start to feel unwell again
• Inability to keep fluids down.
• Other signs of becoming more sick such as children becoming more irritable and not eating and drinking

General information on the signs and symptoms of influenza, and advice on how to care for yourself and others at home are available on the following links. This includes specific information for those caring for babies and young children:

• When to seek medical advice
• Protecting yourself and others
• What to do if you have the flu
• Caring for someone with the flu
• Caring for a baby or child with the flu

There are three key actions that can lessen the risks of contracting or passing on influenza.

• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wash hands frequently
• If unwell, stay at home

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