H1N1 Facts:
Swine flu has spread across the world since emerging in Mexico in April/May 2009 and is now officially the first flu pandemic for 40 years. Experts fear hundreds of millions of people will be infected.
Free Vaccinations - Ph: 02 9388 0344
If you live in the city of Sydney or the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney bring your Medicare Card and pre-book on 9388 0344, the vaccinations are free at our Spring Street Swine Flu Clinic in Bondi Junction.
 What is swine flu and what are the symptoms?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1.
H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans on a regular basis.
But this latest version of H1N1 is different: it contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine.
Although the strain may have originated in pigs, it is now a wholly human disease.
It can be spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu.
A fever - which is a temperature of 38ºC (100.4ºF) - is the key symptom, combined with other complaints which may include a cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and aching limbs. Some people with the virus have also reported nausea and diarrhoea.
As with normal flu, the severity of symptoms will depend on treatment and the individual. Many people have only suffered mildly and have begun to recover within a week.
People are most infectious soon after they develop symptoms, but they cease to be a risk once those symptoms have disappeared.
The incubation period may be as little as two days.
Apparently healthy people are dying from the virus ?
Healthy people can die of any flu-related virus if it causes complications such as pneumonia so these latest deaths do not give any extra cause for concern.
Indeed, so far, many people who have developed symptoms of infection have not needed drugs to make a full recovery, according to the WHO.
There is however, a real fear that the virus may mutate and become even more fatal to millions of people.
Fear of mutation
The real fear is that the strain will mutate and become more virulent which would pose a greater threat to the world.
This has been the feature of previous flu pandemics.
While this has not yet happened it is still worth remembering that the normal seasonal flu poses a real and serious threat to public health - each year it kills 250,000 - 500,000 around the world.
Why are younger people more affected?
In Australia the infection has been found to affect younger people more due to it spreading quickly in schools where there is a lot of mixing and where infections can quickly spread.
This is not unusual and children are known to be important in the spread of flu.
It is thought that older age groups may have some immunity as they have been exposed to previous weaker H1N1 viruses.
Young people, children, young adults etc who have not previously been infected and have little or no build up of any influenza resistance are more susceptible to serious new outbreaks like this H1N1 2009 version.
Why has Australia had such a high level of infection?
Australia has a comprehensive flu surveillance system, hence more cases may be identified in Australia than in many other countries with less comprehensive monitoring services.
Australia is a very popular tourist destination with people coming here from all of the world and staying all around the country, often for 1 - 2 weeks at a time.
This time frame easily covers the incubation period for the virus and allows for mass contact with unprotected Australians living in these areas.
What should I do if I think I have it?
Australia wide, anyone with flu-like symptoms who suspects they might have the swine flu virus are being advised to stay at home and contact the Pandemic Hotline on 180-2007 (just dial the number, it works) or via the internet at www.HealthEmergency.gov.au
Eastern Suburbs of Sydney
If you live in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, please call 02 9388 0344 to book an appointment at the Spring Street Swine Flu Clinic.
We have Doctors available for those who require a GP. (General Practicioner)
However, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and parents of children under one are still being advised to contact a doctor.
Doctors available
We have Doctors (General Practicioners) available for those who require a GP, please call 02 9388 0344.
Free Vaccinations - Ph: 02 9388 0344
If you live in the city of Sydney or the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney bring your Medicare Card and pre-book on 9388 0344, the vaccinations are free at our Spring Street Swine Flu Clinic in Bondi Junction.
How is it treated?
As of October 2009 there is now a specific swine flu vaccine available in Australia and by the end of November 2009, most countries will also have their own batches of vaccines available.
It is recommended that you get the 2009 vaccine which is specifically targeted at the current H1N1 virus.
Previously
Up until October 2009, the two most commonly used drugs available to treat regular flu are Tamiflu and Relenza, these are effective at treating infection and reducing the length of the illness and cutting the chances that people will have serious complications.
Use of these drugs may also make it less likely that infected people will pass the virus on to others.
However, these drugs must be administered at an early stage to be effective.
Researchers have also questioned whether the drugs are helpful in children aged between one and 12, saying the risk of serious side effects might outweigh any benefits.
The Australian government already has a stockpile of these general anti-virals, ordered as a precaution against any likely pandemic.
What measures then can I take to prevent infection?
Vaccination is the answer. Do you want your kids to become statistics?
The Australian government has signed a distribution contract and hospitals will be getting the vaccines by the end of September while most GPs will start offering it from early October.
The government has announced those with underlying health conditions and front line emergency personel and other such as pregnant women will be offered the vaccine first.
It is hoped that even if the virus mutates in coming months, the jabs may still offer a high degree of protection against most upcoming related strains.
In the meantime, people are being advised to avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.
Hygiene
General infection control practices and good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza.
This includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible and disposing of it promptly.
It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people, and cleaning hard surfaces like door handles frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Some examples;
- when using a lift, do not touch the hand rails and use your knuckles when pressing the floor button
- Cough into your upper arm or elbow and not your hands
- Do Not shake hands with anyone you meet
- Wash your hands every time you touch something, use soap
RECENT FLU PANDEMICS
1918: The Spanish flu pandemic remains the most devastating outbreak of modern times. Caused by a form of the H1N1 strain of flu, it is estimated that up to 40% of the world's population were infected, and more than 50 million people died, with young adults particularly badly affected.
1957: Asian flu killed two million people. Caused by a human form of the virus, H2N2, combining with a mutated strain found in wild ducks. The impact of the pandemic was minimised by rapid action by health authorities, who identified the virus, and made vaccine available speedily. The elderly were particularly vulnerable.
1968: Hong Kong Flu. An outbreak first detected in Hong Kong in 1968, and caused by a strain known as H3N2, killed up to one million people globally, with those over 65 years of age most likely to die.
Should I get Vaccinated ?
Yes |
