Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 131

The number of people reporting to GPs and hospitals with influenza-like illnesses continues to fall, but people need to remain vigilant and continue to take steps to stop the spread of germs.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says the continuing drop in influenza cases is encouraging, and has given frontline health services a welcome reprieve from the added pressures felt in recent months.

Whether the decline in cases will continue remains unclear. It is common for influenza numbers to rise and fall over several months.

Mr Ryall says, "Now is not the time to let down our guard. It is important that people continue to do the things that have helped keep them healthy during this pandemic: stay at home if you are sick, wash and dry your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes."

He says it is important to remain prepared in case pandemic influenza re-emerges in coming weeks or months, or returns during the northern hemisphere winter.

Canterbury, so far one of the worst hit regions for swine flu, has begun closing its community based flu centres because only a small number have been attending recently. GPs in the region have been updated on how they can see patients with influenza while keeping other patients safe from getting the flu.

Latest Numbers

Numbers of people in hospitals with the Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09
As at midday today, a total of 41 people are reported to be in hospital with Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 or its complications, including 15 in intensive care.

The number of patients currently in intensive care with confirmed Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 broken down by region is as follows:
Northland (1) Auckland (4), Counties Manukau (2), Waikato (1), Lakes (1 ), Nelson Marlborough (1) Canterbury (2), Otago (2 ), Southland (1).

There are a total of 2984 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, up from 2959 yesterday. These are people who have returned a laboratory positive test for pandemic influenza (H1N1) 09. The actual number of cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 will be significantly higher, as only a small proportion of people with symptoms are being tested. This is because for most people, it's a mild illness and they will recover readily at home without needing medical treatment.

The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu is 14.

Please note these 14 deaths reported by the Ministry are deaths from swine flu, where swine flu was a primary cause of death. Other deaths are being investigated by the Coroner's office.

School absences
In general, schools are reporting usual levels of absence for this time of year, while only a minority of schools are reporting either lower or higher levels.

Healthline Calls
Healthline has continued to receive a high number of influenza-related calls over the past week, although numbers have decreased since peaks in mid-June and early July. The total number of calls answered by Healthline nurses continues to be about 20 percent above normal levels.

ENDS

For health information and advice, the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116

For latest updates on Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, visit http://www.moh.govt.nz