08 July 2009

H1N1 Influenza 09 Update

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today confirmed that a 27 year old man with multiple underlying medical conditions died on Saturday July 4 at John Hunter Hospital with H1N1 influenza 09. H1N1 influenza 09 infection in this patient was only confirmed yesterday.  

"Because of underlying medical conditions, the man was at greater risk of severe illness from H1N1 influenza 09," she said.

There are currently 16 people in intensive care (8 males and 8 females). The majority have underlying chronic conditions including asthma, obesity, chronic lung disease and diabetes. The patients admitted to intensive care range in age from 8 to 54 years old, with the average age being 34 years old.

Dr Chant said that pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions like diabetes, lung, heart and kidney disease should consult their doctor if they develop an influenza-like illness.

"Both seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza 09 can occasionally result in severe disease in people who have been previously well.

"For the majority of people influenza is a mild illness which can be managed at home. However, it is important that anyone with flu-like symptoms seeks immediate medical assistance if they have moderate to severe disease or if their condition deteriorates," Dr Chant said.

"It is not necessary for people with symptoms of influenza to be tested for H1N1 influenza. Treatment can be provided based on the person's symptoms", Dr Chant said.

In total, 222 patients with confirmed H1N1 influenza 09 have been hospitalised since the epidemic began in NSW, and three people with H1N1 influenza infection have died. 1572 people have tested positive for H1N1 influenza, but this represents only a small proportion of the infections in the community, as testing is no longer routinely recommended for mild or moderately unwell patients. 

Summary of confirmed influenza cases in NSW

Table last updated: 8 July 2009, 10.30am EST. National figures as published at 8 July 2009, 12pm EST.

A new weekly report, Case Numbers and Statistics, which describes the progress of the H1N1 influenza 09 epidemic in NSW is available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/swine_flu.asp

More information is available from the NSW Health website and the Flu hotline on 180 2007.

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