07 August 2009

Take care with flu for City2Surf

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today reminded people to take extra care when preparing for the City2Surf event this Sunday, with the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza still circulating within the community.

"People need to be realistic about their health and fitness levels whenever they take on any physical challenge,'' Dr Chant said.

"Right now we are still in the grips of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and it continues to affect the community, with large numbers of people coming down with illness.

"Influenza of any kind can significantly weaken a person's overall fitness and endurance levels, and strenuous exercise can increase the risk of severe illness in flu sufferers.

"Anyone who is experiencing - or has recently experienced - influenza, such as sore throat, cough, tiredness, shortness of breath or fever, are strongly advised not to participate in the event for their own and other people's safety.  If not, you will place yourself and others at risk from the infection. If you're not sure, check with your doctor for advice." 

Dr Chant said it was important that participants in the City2Surf event, whether walking, jogging or running, kept up their hydration levels.

"Proper hydration is essential for reducing the risk of heat exhaustion and the simplest advice is to drink enough during exercise to minimise dehydration," Dr Chant said.

Dr Chant acknowledged the organisers of the City2Surf event for being socially responsible in distributing important public health messages.

``Event organisers have advised entrants of their need to be aware of any influenza-like symptoms and the need to stay at home if they feel unwell."

The 39th City2Surf is on Sunday, August 9. More than 70,000 people are expected to walk, job or run the 14km race from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach.

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