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03 July 2009 H1N1 Influenza 09 Update
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today said that the number of H1N1 Influenza 09 cases continues to rise with a significant increase in seasonal influenza. Most people with influenza will recover without specific treatment and do not need any testing or specific treatment intervention and should stay home until they are better. Dr Chant said that some people do need to see their GP for early treatment. "These are people with influenza symptoms (including fever, sore throat or cough, often accompanied by tiredness, muscle aches and headache) who have risk factors for severe disease or who a moderately to severe ill. Risk factors for severe disease include being pregnant, Aboriginal, or having chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney or liver disease or metabolic diseases including diabetes, Dr Chant said. "Testing is reserved for people who require hospitalisation or in special circumstances where it will change the patient's management. "Of course in an emergency, go to the emergency department," she said. Dr Chant confirmed that there were now 1157 people across NSW who had tested positive to H1N1 Influenza 09. "However, as testing is no longer required in most cases for doctors to determine the course of treatment for people with influenza, the number of people who have tested positive for H1N1 Influenza 09 is becoming a less relevant measure of the disease's activity," Dr Chant said. "Instead we are focussing on patients who are ill enough to need to be in hospital, and other measures of influenza activity, she said. Dr Chant advised that 96 cases have been admitted to hospital since the outbreak of H1N1 influenza 09. There are currently four people in ICU. Summary of confirmed influenza cases in NSW
Table last updated: 3 July 2009, 10.30am EST. National figures as published at 3 July 2009, available at: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au Dr Chant again advised that 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. "Please stay at home if you have flu symptoms," she said. "Where people forget to cover their nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, a polite reminder will help limit the potential for transmission. This is particularly relevant on public transport, at work and school," Dr Chant said. A new weekly report, Case Numbers and Statistics, which updates the H1N1 Influenza 09 status in NSW is available on the 'Human Swine Flu' website at www.health.nsw.gov.au 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. Further information is available from the Swine Flu hotline on 180 2007 or at the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/swine_flu.asp For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au |
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