Mtsylviass.eq.edu.au

Version: 32. 7th July, 2009
Swine Flu 2009
Description:
H1N1 influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) is a new type of influenza virus which causes respiratory disease inhumans. Symptoms:
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal influenza, including: Other symptoms may include a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people havealso reported diarrhoea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause worsening of underlying chronicmedical conditions.
Transmission:
H1N1 influenza 09 is thought to be spread from person to person in the same way seasonal influenza and othercommon respiratory infections spread.
Being in close contact (eg. within a metre) with an infected person while they are talking, coughing or sneezing putsyou at risk of becoming infected. Virus-containing droplets can land on the surfaces of the mouth, nose and throat ofpersons close by. The virus may also be spread through contact with infectious respiratory secretions on the handsof an infected person or other objects and surfaces.
You cannot get H1N1 influenza 09 from eating properly handled and prepared pork or pork products.
Infectious Period
People with H1N1 influenza 09 virus infection should be considered
contagious from one day before the onset of symptoms and for up to 7
days following the onset of symptoms provided fever has resolved.
Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for
longer periods.
Treatment:
Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) can be used for the treatment of H1N1influenza 09 for those who are at risk of developing complications. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines whichfight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. Antiviral drugs work best if started soonafter becoming sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Treatment is only recommended for those who have a fever and/orsore throat, are within the first two days of onset of symptoms and are in a vulnerable group mentioned above or ahigh risk setting Antibiotics may be required for secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia.
Health Outcome:
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 influenza 09 in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Serious complications suchas pneumonia can occur. People with existing health problems may be at risk of these conditions worsening if theydevelop H1N1 influenza 09.
Some vulnerable groups may be at higher risk for complications from H1N1 influenza 09. These include people with (c) 2008 The State of Queensland (Queensland Health) : Please note that any material printed is regarded as an uncontrolled copy. It is the responsibility of theperson printing the document to refer frequently to for updates. Version: 32. 7th July, 2009
Swine Flu 2009
chronic respiratory conditions (including asthma requiring routine preventative medication or COPD), pregnantwomen (particularly in the second and third trimester), people with morbid obesity, Indigenous people of any age,other diseases such as: cardiac disease (excluding simple hypertension) and other chronic diseases such as:diabetes mellitus, metabolic, renal or liver disease, haemoglobinopathies, immunosuppressed (including cancers,HIV/AIDS infection, drugs) and neurological conditions.
You should seek medical care if you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, if concerned aboutsymptoms, or if symptoms worsen. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care immediately if a childhas fast or strained/laboured breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (fits/seizures).
Prevention:
The seasonal influenza vaccine is unlikely to offer useful protection against H1N1 influenza 09. However, it isstrongly recommended that people continue to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. A suitable vaccine againstH1N1 influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) is currently being developed.
For both seasonal and H1N1 influenza 09, the best way to protect yourself and others is to: . washyourhandsfrequentlywithsoapandwateroruseanalcoholbasedhandgel . washyourhandspriortotouchingyoureyes,noseandmouth . whencoughingorsneezing,coveryourmouthandnosewithdisposabletissueswhichshouldbedisposedof . don'tshareitemssuchascigarettes,glassesorcups,lipstick,toysoranythingwhichcouldbecontaminated . maintainatleastonemetredistancefrompeoplewhohaveflu-likesymptomssuchascoughingorsneezing . consultyourdoctorifyouhaveacoughandfeverandfollowtheirinstructions,includingtakingmedicineas . ifattendingamedicalpractice,alertthereceptionistofyoursymptomssoyoucanbeseatedawayfromothers and possibly be given a surgical mask.
Help and Assistance
For further information check the contact your local doctor or ring13HEALTH. (13 43 25 84) Related Content
(c) 2008 The State of Queensland (Queensland Health) : Please note that any material printed is regarded as an uncontrolled copy. It is the responsibility of theperson printing the document to refer frequently to for updates.

Source: http://www.mtsylviass.eq.edu.au/Docs/swineFlu2009_fs.pdf