Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 101

As at 1.30pm today, New Zealand's confirmed number of deaths from Novel Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu remains at six.

People with underlying medical conditions need to be especially vigilant about washing and drying their hands frequently and caring for their personal hygiene to reduce the risk of catching the new Influenza A (H1N1).

If they do become sick with influenza-like symptoms, they should monitor their condition carefully and seek medical help if their illness gets worse.

Phone Healthline 0800 611 116 or your healthcare provider if you, or the person you are caring for, has:

• been unwell for three or four days and are not getting any better or are feeling worse
• a high temperature that is not responding to attempts to reduce it
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• pain or pressure in the chest or stomach
• been coughing up bloody or green phlegm
• blue skin around the lips and/or blue skin on finger tips
• severe pain in the ear(s)
• severe vomiting
• difficulty waking up or feel disoriented or confused
• been experiencing fits or uncontrollable shaking
• started to feel better but then get a high fever and start to feel unwell again.

The Ministry of Health's Dr Sandy Dawson says complications can arise quickly, particularly in people with known risk factors and existing medical conditions. However most people will experience mild to moderate symptoms and will recover at home without needing medical help.

Based on current evidence, complications from swine flu are more likely in some people, including:

Pregnant women.
Adults and children who have serious conditions including respiratory disease, heart disease, liver disease, blood disorders and neurological conditions.
Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV).
Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-care-advice

Dr Dawson says observing good personal hygiene habits is the best way to protect yourself from the virus, and reduce the chance of spreading it to other people.

Remember:

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 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
GPs can now make telephone assessments of patients who suspect they may have Influenza A H1N1 swine flu, and provide a written medical certificate for someone else to collect on their behalf.

The Medical Council has clarified its position in a statement on its website http://www.mcnz.org.nz/.

Latest Numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 swine flu is 1555, up from 1431 yesterday. The cumulative total of confirmed cases by region is no longer being reported because the actual number of cases of Novel influenza A (H1N1) 09 will be significantly higher, as only a small proportion of people with symptoms are now being tested. This is because for most people it's a mild illness and they will recover readily at home without needing medical treatment.

Australian situation

For the number of confirmed cases in Australia, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing website: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/updates-12july09.htm

International Update from the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization is no longer issuing tables showing the numbers of confirmed cases for all countries. This is because there is an increasing number of cases in many countries, including New Zealand, which is making it extremely difficult to confirm laboratory testing in an accurate and timely manner. Internationally, the focus is on managing the spread of the virus instead of counting the number of confirmed cases. However, as part of continued efforts to document the global spread of the H1N1 pandemic, regular updates will be provided describing the situation in the newly affected countries. For more information about this reporting change go to the WHO website: http://www.who.int/en/

ENDS

Information in this update can be attributed to Dr Sandy Dawson, Ministry of Health.

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