H1N1 Influenza 09

Page last updated 24 November, 2009

General Information

Web Sites and Documents

Department of Health & Ageing - H1N1 Influenza 09 Web Site

• H1N1 Influenza 09 fact sheet

Remain Calm over Swine Flu - Army Newspaper article 14 May 2009, Edition 1212

http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/

State Government Sites

Background

• The World Health Organization has been informed that an increased rate of severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia, has been identified in Mexico since March 2009.
• In the United States and Canada, people with mild respiratory illness have been identified as being infected with a new strain of influenza.  This virus appears to be the same as the virus causing illness in Mexico.
• People who have travelled to Mexico or the Southern-Western USA (the States of California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas), in the previous seven days,  and who have become unwell with a flu-like illness should contact their doctor by telephone for further advice.
• The Australian Government, as well as international public health authorities are closely monitoring the situation to determine what additional advice may be needed.

How serious is the infection?

• The new strain of influenza is similar to a virus which usually infects pigs (H1N1 Flu) but sometimes infects people.
• All influenza viruses can cause respiratory disease and pneumonia. It is not yet known how many people infected with the new influenza strain become seriously unwell.
• While some people in Mexico have been seriously ill, almost all cases in the US and Canada have experienced mild infection.
• The new influenza strain is sensitive to antiviral medicines used to treat seasonal influenza. These are the tablet Tamiflu and the inhaled medicine Relenza.

Can the influenza virus be treated with medicines?

• The new influenza strain is sensitive to antiviral medicines used to treat seasonal influenza. These are the tablet Tamiflu and the inhaled medicine Relenza.
  
• Australia has access to a large reserve of antiviral and other medications if needed to treat an outbreak of influenza in this country.

How easy is the new strain of influenza to catch?

• Influenza is a virus which is spread by droplets when people cough and, often, from picking up droplets on the hands.
• Normal measures which include covering the mouth and nose when coughing and washing hands with soap and water reduce the chance of being infected with influenza viruses.
• The annual influenza vaccine reduces the chance of contracting influenza. It may not protect against the new strain of influenza.
• Influenza is most commonly caught by members of the same household or other people with close contact.
• The new strain of influenza can be transmitted between people. It is not know how easily the new strain is spread between people.

What can I do to avoid infection/ if I think I have been exposed to the new strain of influenza?

• If you have travelled to Mexico or the Southern USA in the past two weeks and have become unwell with a cough, high fever and lethargy (feeling tired/fatigued) then you should contact your doctor or an emergency department by phone.
• The new strain of influenza can be detected using new tests.
• People do not have to take any special actions in Australia to avoid infection with the new influenza virus.  Normal measures to prevent infection such as washing hands with soap and water, covering mouth and nose when coughing, and not attending work while ill will reduce the chance of being infected with any strain of influenza.

Instructions for ADF Personnel who Exhibit Flu-Like Symptoms During the H1N1 Influenza 09 Epidemic

The following advice is promulgated to reduce the risk of ADF personnel contracting HiN1 influenza and to provide guidance in the event that you develop flu-like symptoms. The take-home messages are that (1) symptoms for normal seasonal influenza are identical to those of H1N1 influenza, (2) precautions for normal seasonal influenza are equally effective against H1N1 influenza, (3) members who suspect they may have contracted a flu-like illness should first telephone the appropriate health provider, rather than just turning up to their preferred health facility, in order to reduce the opportunity for contagious spread, and (4) you will receive whatever care and medications that you require from the most suitable health facility but maintaining separation of infected and non-infected persons is of paramount importance.

Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza 09

The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are no different from symptoms of 'normal' seasonal influenza. It is not possible to self-diagnose yourself with H1N1 influenza. You should suspect that you have contracted an influenza-like illness if you exhibit symptoms of fever in association with cough, runny nose, nasal congestion and sore throat. You may also exhibit symptoms of muscle aches and pains, lethargy and tiredness. However, these symptoms are common to all strains of influenza. You are not at this time a likely candidate for H1N1 influenza unless you have also, within seven days of onset of symptoms, travelled to Mexico or the USA, or been in close contact with a person known to have contracted H1N1 influenza.

Instructions for ADF Members

1. If you are at your regular place of work, or on leave in normal residential locality, or within convenient reach of an ADF Health Centre, during normal working hours, and you believe you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms you should telephone your local Health Centre or Regimental Aid Post, describe your symptoms and follow the advice given.
2. If you first exhibit symptoms outside working hours and your nearest ADF Health Centre does not operate an after-hours medical service, you should telephone the 1800IMSICK helpdesk, obtain a referral number and you will be directed to the nearest appropriate health facility. If you are subsequently diagnosed with H1N1 influenza, you should telephone the nearest ADF Health Centre at the first opportunity and inform them of your condition.
3. If for any reason you are unable to comply with the preceding instructions, you should telephone the nearest major hospital or your local general medical practice, describe your symptoms and follow their advice. If you are subsequently diagnosed with H1N1 influenza, you should telephone the nearest ADF Health Centre at the first opportunity and inform them of your condition.

Important Additional Information:

1. Depending on your symptoms, you may or may not need to see a doctor, may or may not require nasal swabs and/or blood tests, and may or may not benefit from prescription of an anti-viral medication such as Tamiflu®. Tamiflu® is not effective unless taken within a given period following the onset of symptoms. If Tamiflu® is not prescribed to you it is because your symptoms and medical history indicate that it would be of no assistance in your recovery.
2. Exhibiting flu-like symptoms alone does not constitute a medical emergency and you should not regard yourself as being in danger. If you have not been to Mexico or the USA within seven days, or been in direct contact with a confirmed case of H1N1 influenza, you most likely have nothing worse than an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection or normal seasonal influenza.
3. It is not expected that the Australian seasonal influenza vaccine will provide protection against this strain of H1N1 influenza. However, ADF members are still encouraged to be vaccinated as this will provide protection against the current strain of seasonal influenza.
4. ADF members do not have to take any special precautions to avoid infection with the new influenza virus. Normal measures to reduce the chance of infection with any strain of influenza include:
   • Hand washing with soap and war or hot water is very effective. If soap and water not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
   • Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze. Use a disposable tissue and dispose of it carefully after use. Ask others to do likewise.
   • Always wash hands after any contact with respiratory secretions.
   • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as much as possible.
   • Avoid close contact (maintain one metre separation) with people who have respiratory illnesses.
   • Those with flu-like symptoms should stay home from work, school and social gatherings to help prevent the spread of infection.
   • If you develop respiratory symptoms try to avoid contact with individuals at risk e.g. small children and those with chronic illnesses such as immune-suppression and lung disease.