Cassowary Coast Regional Council

More than a thousand cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (Human Swine Influenza) have now been reported in Queensland accounting for nearly one sixth of the total reported cases throughout Australia.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council residents are asked to be particularly aware of their own health and to stay at home when feeling sick to limit the spread of the virus in the community.

While most people who contract the flu are making a rapid and full recovery, residents who are particularly vulnerable need to seek professional help at the onset of flu-like symptoms.

Queensland along with other states and territories are now in the ‘Protect’ phase of the human swine flu response. The essence of the protect phase is to concentrate on the early treatment of those in the community who may be more vulnerable to severe outcomes if they contract the H1N1 Influenza 09 virus.

Those identified as being vulnerable include pregnant women, Indigenous Australians, people with respiratory disease (including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, morbid obesity and immunosuppression.

Simple precautions are required to limit exposure to the virus as well as prevent its spread.

• Stay at home if you are sick
• Frequently wash your hands, particularly before touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Make sure you cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing
• Don’t share glasses, cups, cigarettes, lipstick, toys or anything else which may be contaminated with respiratory juices
• Keep at least a metre away from people who are coughing or sneezing
• See your doctor if you have a cough or fever and remember to follow their instructions
• If you have flu like symptoms, and you are going to a medical practice or hospital emergency department, please telephone ahead so you can be seen away from other people.

Those residents not in a vulnerable group, particularly if they only have mild symptoms, will generally not need to seek medical advice, will not be tested and will not be provided with antivirals.

School holidays have lessened the chance of a greater number of school children being exposed to the virus but throughout the winter season, parents are strongly encouraged to keep their children home from school if they show symptoms.

Once schools are back from holidays they will no longer be routinely closed if a student has confirmed H1N1 Influenza 09 except in special circumstances.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is continuing to liaise with Queensland Health to ensure the community is responding to Human Swine Flu in the most effective and appropriate manner.

If you have any questions regarding symptoms or illness, contact your general practitioner or call Queensland Health on 13 Health (13 432 584).

More information can also be obtain via the QLD Health Website