16 July 2008

Influenza in pilgrims

NSW Health can confirm reports of World Youth Day pilgrims staying at Oakhill College at Castle Hill and Sydney Olympic Park having influenza.

NSW Health Acting Deputy Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said that people who have shown symptoms of influenza have been referred to a doctor for treatment and influenza control measures have been implemented in the sites where the pilgrims have been staying.

"Medical Teams and Public Health Units from the Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service, Sydney West Area Health Service and NSW Health along with Ambulance doctors and paramedics have been deployed to a pilgrim residential site on Old Northern Road in Castle Hill and Sydney Olympic Park to two groups of pilgrims who are showing signs of influenza B," Dr McAnulty said.

Pilgrims are being assessed by the medical teams. Those pilgrims who are showing symptoms are being given medication and medical advice and will be encouraged to stay onsite and rest.

Dr McAnulty said NSW Health continues to monitor the winter influenza season among the wider community.

"There has been very little influenza activity this winter season. While there have been no cases of influenza A, there have only been a few cases of reported influenza B so far this season," Dr McAnulty said.

Dr McAnulty said it's still not too late to be vaccinated.

"Influenza vaccinations are available from GPs for anyone over six months of age who wishes to avoid the flu. It is free for anyone over 65 years of age and Aboriginal people over 50 years of age. We also urge people with underlying medical conditions to get vaccinated," Dr McAnulty said.

"Those especially at risk are people over 65 and people with an underlying heart, chest or metabolic illness - but an influenza shot can provide an important protection for everyone in our community," he said.

Dr McAnulty said every year in NSW hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with influenza. While most people suffer through the aches and pains - people can die from the disease and its complications.

The best way for people to avoid spreading influenza or getting sick include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze
• Wash your hands regularly to reduce the spread of infection
• Minor illnesses can be treated by a GP - save the emergency department for emergencies
• Get a flu shot from your GP.

"People can take easy steps to reduce their risk to exposure and can help stop the spread of the disease if they have symptoms," Dr McAnulty said.

"But if you do get influenza, stay at home and get plenty of rest. Don't go to work or school and risk spreading the disease," he said.

For more information on influenza go to www.health.nsw.gov.au

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