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23.6.2009 - Influenza A (H1N1) - Lakes update

Update on Managing Novel A H1N1 09 (swine flu) in the Lakes DHB area

Results of the tests taken last week on a second Rotorua Boys’ High School Year 11 student to determine if he had the Novel A H1N1 09 virus have come back negative.

This means there are still five confirmed cases of the virus in the Lakes area. There are 14 confirmed cases of Novel A H1N1 09 across the Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs  including nine in the Bay of Plenty area.

Last week, another Year 11 Rotorua Boys’ High School student was confirmed with the virus and all Year 11 students were asked to stay home from school on Friday and Monday as a precaution.

Toi Te Ora Public Health Unit moved to a “manage it” phase late on Friday.  This means that  the public health team is no longer tracking cases and contacts or treating them with tamiflu and isolation or quarantine. The focus for public health is now on assisting frontline health professionals with managing treatment and ensuring people understand how best they can protect themselves.

Medical Officer of Health Neil de Wet emphasises that the shift in phase reflects the increased spread of the virus, rather than a change in the severity of the illness. For most people Novel A H1N1 09 influenza is a mild to moderate illness, similar to the seasonal influenza expected each year.  Since most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care, treatment will be targeted at those with underlying health conditions or those more severely hit by flu like symptoms.

Dr de Wet says that swabbing and testing to identify the exact type of seasonal influenza will be carried out only to support the management of more serious cases or those who are most vulnerable to developing serious complications. Antiviral drugs will be prescribed only for people with more severe influenza symptoms or at higher risk of developing complications.

People who become unwell with any type of influenza will be expected to stay home until they have fully recovered, and call their GP only if they develop more serious illness or if they have underlying medical conditions.  The health response is also focused on ensuring hospitals can look after those who develop a more severe illness or suffer from complications because of other existing chronic conditions.

The clear message for people who think they may have influenza is to stay home, keep warm and ensure they drink plenty of fluids.

People who think they need medical advice can phone Healthline 0800 611 116 or their GP, but are urged to phone ahead and not just turn up.

The message about phoning ahead is an important one, because this could help spread germs to others.  People are also being asked not to go to an emergency department unless they have had an accident or their illness is life threatening.

Lakes DHB is now running its Emergency Operations Centre as a stand alone operation in the CSB conference room, at Rotorua Hospital.

Ends

Recommended Measures to Help Prevent the Spread of Flu

Good hygiene is the most important step in preventing the spread of influenza and other winter viruses:

• Wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and dry hands well on a regular basis.
• Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available.
• Try  to stay a metre away from sick people.
• If you are ill do not go to work or school.
• Keep coughs and sneezes covered, and dispose of tissues in a covered, lined rubbish bin.  Remember to wash your hands afterwards.

If you have the flu, it is important to:

• stay home and let a relative or friend know if you are at home alone
• rest in a separate room that has good ventilation and is away from other members of the household
• don’t share anything that may spread flu
• drink small amounts of fluids often and keep your mouth clean and moist by cleaning teeth regularly
• take drugs that relieve pain and fever, e.g, paracetamol or ibuprofen. (Aspirin-type medications should not be used for children and young people.)
• gargle with a glass of warm water and/or suck on sugarless hard sweets or lozenges for sore throats
• use saline drops or nasal spray or decongestants for soothing and clearing the nose
• keep bedding and nightwear clean and dry if you are in bed
• shower or bath regularly, or use a cloth to wash with warm water and soap and make sure you wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, drying them well afterwards or use antiseptic rubs
• apply skin balm or moisturiser to prevent your lips, nose and surrounding skin from drying out and cracking.

 If you don’t feel like eating or drinking:

• try light fluid-type nutritional snacks such as chicken soup or perhaps yoghurt
• don’t worry if you can’t handle food, but keep taking fluids, try an ice block or jelly.

If you aren’t drinking enough, you may be dehydrated. You may:

• have no urine or very little, which will be a dark yellow colour
• feel confused or drowsy
• have dull eyes
• have dry skin that will have lost its elasticity (it won’t spring back when you pinch it lightly).

If you find it hard to breathe:

• sit upright
• contact your doctor immediately
• If your condition worsens, seek medical advice by PHONING Healthline 0800 611 116 or your healthcare provider.

 For more information contact:

Lakes DHB Emergency Operations Centre
Communications 07 343 8727

Sue Wilkie Communications Officer Lakes DHB or Shan Tapsell, Assistant Communications Officer
Phone  07 349 7944 or  mobile 027 242 3652
 

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