Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu update
Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update Semester 2 , 2010
Internationally the most intense pandemic activity continues to be centred in a few places in the world such as North Africa, in Southern Asia and in parts of East and Southeast Europe. In other parts of the world, activity is declining, however, there is still transmission of the pandemic H1N1 virus, so it has not disappeared.
In New Zealand GP consultations and calls to Healthline for influenza-like illness remain low. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor for any signs of an upswing in influenza - at the moment the rates of pandemic influenza remain at very low levels.
Vaccine update
This year the Ministry of Health is taking a phased approach to protecting New Zealanders from influenza.
This year the seasonal influenza vaccine contains the pandemic H1N1 strain along with two prevalent influenza strains. Three suppliers are providing vaccine to New Zealand available at GPs (including Student Health) As in previous years, the seasonal influenza vaccine is available free for many people including anyone aged over 65, and all other people who meet the criteria for having a serious on-going medical condition. In addition, pregnant women, morbidly obese people and children from certain GP practices (as outlined above) are also eligible to receive the vaccine free of charge this year. Further information on who's eligible for the free vaccine is available on the Ministry of Health website: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-questions#vaccine
Key messages to all Students / Staff for 2010
We all need to remain vigilant, and Ministry of Health advice remains the same:
- If you're sick, stay home and avoid crowded places
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash and dry your hands often and thoroughly
- The majority of people who get influenza will recover well without needing medical help
- Seek medical advice by CALLING Student Health, Healthline or your GP if someone with flu gets worse, particularly those with underlying medical conditions - for example if they have difficulty breathing, get drowsier or their temperature gets higher and does not come down after taking medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
If you have influenza symptoms and make the decision to stay at home please ensure that you let your school/programme know that is why you are not attending classes. If you are in class with obvious influenza symptoms you will be asked to go home until you are better. Schools/programmes will work with you to minimise the effects of absence due to influenza on your academic progress.
The Student Advisory Team are available to provide support to ensure that you have what you need at home to ensure a good recovery. The Student Advisory team have asked schools/programmes to provide them with the names of students who may have influenza and need some support. Students can also contact the Student Advisory Team directly by phoning 03 477 3014 or 0800 762 786. Should students require medical advice phone the Polytechnic’s Student Health on 4796082 8.30-5pm Monday-Friday or Dunedin Urgent Doctors and Accident Centre on 4792900 5pm- 11.30pm weekdays and 8am-11.30pm weekends.
Ministry Of Health Advice reassures that for most people, influenza will be a mild to moderate illness. Some people may develop complications, such as asthma, pneumonia or heart problems and should phone for a health assessment. Complications can develop with seasonal influenza as well as the new pandemic influenza. Signs to look for include:
The ill person
- starts to feel better, then gets worse
- has a temperature of 38°C or greater
- has chills or severe shaking
- has difficulty breathing or chest pain
- has purple or blue discolouration of the lips
- is less responsive than normal, is unusually quiet, or becomes confused
is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down - has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, not urinating, and in infants, a lack of tears when they cry, or few wet nappies
- has seizures or convulsions.
If any of these things occur, call a doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice.
Whilst there are still many unknowns about Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu, health officials do know that the three most important things New Zealanders can do to protect themselves from influenza this winter are handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home if you're unwell.
The best advice for New Zealanders is to continue to prepare for influenza this winter. 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 and basic medical supplies ( paracetamol) as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.