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NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today said the decision to adjust
the human swine influenza alert level in NSW to PROTECT would help manage the
impact of the disease in the community and the demand on the public health system.
“PROTECT recognises the moderate nature of the H1N1 virus and adjusts
the public health response, accordingly. It recognises that for most of us,
the effects of human swine influenza are going to be mild for most but severe
in some people,” Dr Chant said.
“We will continue to monitor the virus, its spread and its impact
very closely. We want to ensure that the more vulnerable members of our community
take extra precautions to avoid the virus and if they do become ill, receive
prompt access to the best health care.”
Under the new PROTECT phase:
• 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.
• Pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions such as
diabetes, respiratory, heart and renal disease should immediately contact their
GP if they develop flu-like symptoms
• Those with severe symptoms should go to their nearest Emergency Department.
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.
Dr Chant said the best way to control the spread of human swine flu is by adopting
simple, practical hygiene measures, including covering your mouth and nose when
coughing or sneezing, and regularly washing hands.
Key elements of the PROTECT phase announced by the Commonwealth Government:
* Promoting individual protection measures through widespread public education
campaigns.
* Informing the public as to what they should do at home, school and in the
workplace during this time.
* Those who are sick with influenza should not go to work or school.
* People who are sick should wash their hands regularly and practice good cough
and sneeze etiquette. Early detection and treatment of people with moderate
and severe disease.
* Advising people with mild symptoms to stay at home until their symptoms resolve.
* Management of outbreaks in “high risk settings” such
as special schools.
There are 341 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza 09 in NSW. Fifty-four of these
were associated with the Pacific Dawn cruise ship, 35 associated with overseas
travel and 87 associated with interstate travel. A further 73 cases have been
identified as a result of contact with a confirmed case and three cases have
not travelled and are not linked to any confirmed cases. Public Health Units
are currently investigating an additional 89 cases in NSW.
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