Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 118 | infonews.co.nz New Zealand News

The Ministry of Health has called on the community to be especially aware of those people who fall ill and may need good friends and neighbours to check on them.

Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Fran McGrath says "We all know of people in our community who live alone or who don't have good support networks. We need to keep an eye on them if they are unwell, and make sure they get help if their illness becomes more severe."

These may be older people, a single person, or someone who is the only adult in a household of children or teenagers.

Dr McGrath says people should seek medical advice if they have influenza which gets worse, or if they have influenza and are pregnant or have a chronic medical condition.

"Anyone with a friend or relative in this situation should stay in regular contact to make certain their condition hasn't suddenly become worse. Those who live alone, or are the only adults in their household, can help by asking a friend or relative to be their 'flu buddy' by phoning them daily to check on their situation."

Dr McGrath says that for most people, pandemic influenza will be a mild to moderate illness, and they will recover well at home without needing treatment.

Latest Numbers
There are a total of 2748 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, up from 2704 yesterday.

The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu is 13.

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

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 Deputy 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