Swine Influenza – a Taranaki update

July 16 2009

The number of swine flu cases in Taranaki continues to grow.

There are 20 confirmed cases, although this does not reflect actual numbers as only a small proportion of people with symptoms are being tested for surveillance.

The postponement of elective surgery at Taranaki Base Hospital this week was not due to swine flu, but because the hospital was full with the usual winter ailments that occur at this time of year.

Taranaki Medical Officer of Health Penny Hutchinson says people with flu symptoms who have underlying medical conditions that make them more at risk of complications (including pregnant women, people with respiratory disease, heart disease, liver disease or blood disorders) should phone their GP as soon as possible.

People who have mild symptoms should remain at home until they are well, however if they develop any of the following symptoms they should contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 or their GP.

• If you’ve been unwell for three or four days and are not getting any better or are feeling worse
• A high temperature (above 38.3C) that is not responding to attempts to reduce it
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach
• If you cough up bloody or green phlegm
• Blue skin around the lips and/or blue skin on fingertips
• Severe pain in the ear(s)
• Severe vomiting
• Difficulty waking up or feeling disoriented or confused
• Fits or uncontrolled shaking
• If you started to feel better but then get a high fever and start to feel unwell again
• Inability to keep fluids down
• Other signs of becoming more sick such as children becoming more irritable and not eating and  drinking

For more information visit

www.tdhb.org.nz
www.moh.govt.nz
www.safetravel.govt.nz
www.getthru,govt.nz

For more information contact:

Sue Carrington
Media Advisor
Phone 021 367 789

Last updated: Monday, July 13, 2009