29 June 2009

H1N1 Influenza 09 Update

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today said maintaining good basic hygiene such as washing hands regularly with soap, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying at home if you have influenza-like symptoms are important ways to avoid and reduce the spread of H1N1 Influenza 09.

"In most cases H1N1 Influenza 09 will be a mild illness, however for pregnant women, people with underlying health conditions like diabetes, respiratory, heart and renal disease, and Indigenous Australians - symptoms could be more severe," Dr Chant said.

"Pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions who develop flu symptoms should immediately contact their GP for advice.

"People with no underlying medical conditions who experience only mild flu-like symptoms should stay at home and minimise contact with others until they are well. People who develop moderate symptoms should see their GP where available, or if not available, should contact their local flu clinic or emergency department. People with severe symptoms should seek urgent care.

"If you have influenza, start to feel better, and then your condition worsens, you should also seek medical advice as it may indicate that you have a more serious illness, such as pneumonia.

"It is particularly important that people who are unwell with influenza do not to visit sick, elderly or pregnant women or young children and avoid visiting hospitals unless requiring treatment for their own illness," Dr Chant said.

Summary of suspected and confirmed influenza cases in NSW

Table last updated: 29 June 2009, 10.30am EST. National figures as published at 29 June 2009, 12pm EST, available at: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au

More information is available by clicking on the 'Human Swine Flu' Information button at the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au and the Flu hotline on 180 2007.

Further information is available from the Swine Flu hotline on 180 2007 or at the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/swine_flu.asp

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au