The numbers of people diagnosed with swine influenza A(H1N1) on the West Coast continues to rise with forty confirmed cases from both urban and rural areas. As of today there have been five cases in the Buller District, twenty-one in the Grey District and fourteen 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.
With school students due to return to school after their two week break the Ministry of Health is advising anyone who is sick to continue to stay at home. "If you have flu-like symptoms, stay at home until you are essentially well," says Director of Public Health Dr Mark Jacobs.
The Ministry of Health continues to encourage pregnant women who get sick with influenza-like symptoms to be prompt in phoning for medical advice.
Pregnant women are one group at greater risk of complications from the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus and should call their doctor or Healthline for advice if they become unwell with influenza-like symptoms. Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Darren Hunt says pregnant women do not need to be alarmed or go to extraordinary measures to protect themselves from influenza but there are simple things they can do to protect themselves and others.
These include:
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.
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 link. This includes specific information for those caring for babies and young children:
There are three key actions that can lessen the risks of contracting or passing on influenza.
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