Swine Influenza – a Taranaki update

June 25, 2009

Taranaki is moving from “containment” phase to “manage it” phase as part of the response to the swine flu outbreak.

The shift in phase reflects the spread of the virus in New Zealand. There has been one confirmed case of swine flu in Taranaki.

Anne Kemp, spokesperson for Taranaki DHB’s Health Emergency Management Group (HEMG), says the local response follows the Ministry of Health lead and is keeping with the World Health Organisation’s assessment that the disease is moderate but spreading globally.

She says the HEMG has been working with community partners in preparation for moving to manage it phase. “There is no need for alarm, but there is a need to prepare to manage this influenza in the community.”

Taranaki Medical Officer of Health, Dr Penny Hutchinson, says the Public Health Unit will no longer be contact tracing but will continue to monitor the situation. The focus is now on treating more serious cases and people most vulnerable to developing complications.

Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care. They should stay away from work or school until essentially well, that is not sneezing and coughing as this is how the virus spreads. This is usually around three to four days after symptoms start, but may be up to a week. They should call their GP only if they develop more serious illness or have an underlying medical condition.

For specific health advice people should continue to call Healthline on 0800 611 116.  If they then require medical attention they should phone their GP or hospital before arriving.

Antiviral drugs will be prescribed only for people with more severe influenza symptoms or at higher risk of developing complications. Testing will be carried out to support the management of these cases and to monitor the spread in Taranaki.

Dr Hutchinson says an important part of this approach is for people to be prepared to look after themselves at home in the same way they would with ordinary flu. “For most people who get infected with swine flu it will be a mild to moderate illness and they should be able to care for themselves at home.”

Individuals and communities can help limit the spread of infection through good personal hygiene. This includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, and cleaning hard surfaces like door handles frequently.

Dr Hutchinson encourages people to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. Influenza is free for at risk groups until the end of September.

For more information visit www.tdhb.org.nz, www.moh.govt.nz, www.safetravel.govt.nz or www.getthru.govt.nz

For more information contact:

Sue Carrington
Media Advisor
Phone 021 367 789

Last updated: Monday, April 19, 2010