Don't let the Flu get you!
The World Health Organization has announced the shift to a post-pandemic period, they have also emphasized that some countries, such as New Zealand, will still see significant levels of H1N1 transmission.
Levels of the H1N1 influenza virus in New Zealand are showing a lot of regional variation, with central areas of the North Island being particularly hardest hit at the moment.
There have been 389 hospitalisations of lab-confirmed pandemic influenza H1N1 this year to date in New Zealand, including 10 people currently in intensive care (16/08/2010). There have been a total of 59 admissions to intensive care so far this year. These figures do not include influenza-like illness among people admitted to hospital without a positive H1N1 lab test result.
Turbo's get ready for the Influenza vaccination.
The immunisation programme for seasonal influenza is still underway and vaccines are still available. Your employer may organise the flu vaccine to be available in your workplace. The seasonal flu vaccine will protect you against pandemic H1N1 Influenza ("swine flu") and two other flu strains.
This year influenza vaccine is free for the following groups to ensure we protect those people most at risk of serious influenza illness:
- All people aged 6mths-65yrs with ongoing serious medical conditions
- Pregnant women
- People with morbid obesity
- Children aged 6mths to 5yrs enrolled in practices identified with high numbers of children who are Maori, Pacific or from low income households (check with your general practice about eligibility for your children)
- All people over the age of 65yrs
Your health professional can provide you with all the information you need to know about influenza vaccination. Flu vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family against influenza infection.
Members of the public with concerns about flu illness should in the first instance call: Healthline 0800 611 116
Important links:
Signs and symptoms of influenza
Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting. Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work.
What to do if you are sick, or caring for someone who is sick?
Check out this brochure: Managing in the Home it has great information about how to protect yourself and care for your family with the flu.
Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings. 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.
If your condition worsens, you should seek medical advice by phoning Healthline 0800 611 116 or your GP. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza. If you think you have the flu, it is best to ring the hospital or medical centre first for advice first. This way, if you need to come in to the centre, arrangements can be made that decrease the risk of spreading infection to others.
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 at the Ministry of Health Website.
General readiness
Be prepared - this is the time for people to make sure they’re prepared to be self-sufficient for an extended period of time, 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.
How to protect yourself from influenza
- Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water 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, followed by hand hygiene.
Checklists and advice on how individuals and families can prepare for a pandemic are available on the Ministry of Health's dedicated flu web pages.
Links
Print this Page
Last Updated 16/08/2010