Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 111 | infonews.co.nz New Zealand News

Schools are being advised to keep a close eye on students and children with underlying health conditions.

These children, including those with serious asthma, are particularly susceptible to the influenza virus, including the Pandemic Influena A (H1N1) swine flu.

The Ministries of Health and Education say it's important that schools take early action and call parents or caregivers of children who show symptoms.

Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Fran McGrath says students and children who have flu-like symptoms should stay at home until they are well and are no longer coughing or sneezing. For the vast majority of people this will be a mild to moderate illness, however it can be severe for some. If symptoms become worse, people should seek medical advice from their GP or phone Healthline on 0800 611116 .

Says Dr McGrath "This is usually three to four days from the start of symptoms, but it could be up to a week. Staying away from other people when you are sick will help slow the spread of the virus in the community and allow both schools and health services to better manage the impact of the flu pandemic."

"This is an opportunity for students and teachers to remind themselves that personal hygiene is really important in reducing the chances of getting pandemic influenza, or passing it on to others. Simple measures can make a huge difference, so remember to cover coughs and sneezes and wash and dry your hands frequently."

Latest Numbers
The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 2368, up from 2255 yesterday. 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 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 Influenza A (H1N1) 09 swine flu remains at 10. Please note these 10 deaths reported by the Ministry are deaths from swine flu, where swine flu was a primary cause of death. The Ministry will continue to report deaths from H1N1 where it is definitive that H1N1 was the major contributing factor to the person's death.

Where people have H1N1 at the time of death, but it is unclear if it led to the death, normal pathology and testing procedures will be carried out. It can take a considerable amount of time to determine an outcome.

Australian Situation
For the number of confirmed cases in Australia, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing website at: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/updates-19july09.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 are 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. 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 Director of Public Health Dr Fran McGrath

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