Due south?

Bird flu has spread through a number of countries, but cases of the virus in humans are still rare. If the virus develops the ability to spread from person to person, it could cause a pandemic. The information below continues on from last issue’s look at pandemic flu and whether it’s headed to Australia.

How does pandemic flu spread?

Pandemics of flu are spread from person to person by respiratory secretions in three ways:

• Through spread of droplets from one person to another (such as coughing).
  
• Touching things that are contaminated by respiratory secretions and then touching your mouth, eye or nose.
  
• Through spread of particles in the air with crowds in enclosed spaces.

What are the pandemic flu symptoms?

The symptoms of pandemic flu are the same as the seasonal flu virus. For example, sudden onset of high temperature, muscle aches and pains, tiredness, cough, sore throat and stuffy nose.

How long do symptoms take to develop and how long do they last?

It may take two-to-seven days to show symptoms when you catch the flu and the symptoms may last for a week.

Can pandemic flu kill people?

Yes. But there are treatments available and ways to prevent infection from occurring in the first place. Health authorities have strategies in place to reduce the impact of a pandemic.

How is pandemic flu treated?

The mainstays of treatment include rest, ensuring adequate fluid intake, nutrition and taking medications to help with fever and pain such as aspirin (but not in children) and paracetamol. Complications, such as bacterial pneumonia, can develop in some people and treated with antibiotics. Those severely affected may need hospitalisation.

What about antiviral medications?

The effectiveness of antivirals in the treatment of pandemic influenza is unclear. The Australian Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza provides for some limited use for management of cases and contacts. But in the event of a pandemic, these medications will be in short supply.

How can I protect myself and others from pandemic flu?

Apart from influenza antivirals, there are many measures people can take to protect against respiratory diseases.

• General hygiene measures such as regular hand washing;
  
• Cough hygiene (turning away from other people and covering the mouth with tissues when coughing or sneezing, disposing of the tissues afterwards and washing hands after disposal of the tissues).
  
• When unwell, avoiding public places and contact with children or people with underlying illnesses.
  
• Maintaining good general health and staying up to date with the recommended vaccinations.

What about vaccines during a flu pandemic?

The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against pandemic flu. But in the lead up to a pandemic, it will still be important to vaccinate high-risk groups against any seasonal strains of flu which are currently circulating. The Australian Government has signed contracts with two vaccine manufactures to ensure that enough pandemic vaccine for all Australians will be produced during the event of a pandemic. But the vaccine may take three-to-six months to produce, and initially will be in short supply. Therefore, priority groups are being determined in conjunction with influenza experts. Barracks environments could help the spread of flu and it suggested that members get the seasonal flu vaccination annually.

Is pandemic flu quarantinable?

Yes. Highly pathogenic avian influenza affecting humans was made a quarantinable disease on March 23 last year.

How long would people be quarantined?

Based on the current bird flu strains, individuals may be quarantined for seven-to-10 days. This will need to be reviewed according to the characteristics of the pandemic virus itself.

How well prepared is Australia for pandemic influenza?

Australia is comparatively well prepared to respond to a flu pandemic. Quarantine officers are maintaining a high level of alert for birds and bird products from bird flu affected countries. The Australian Government has extensively stockpiled drugs and equipment needed in a pandemic – such as antiviral agents and personal protective equipment. The Department of Health and Ageing has issued the Australian Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza, which provides national guidelines for key stakeholders in developing responses, to ensure Australia has the capacity to respond to a pandemic.

Sqn-Ldr Belinda Ball is a critical care registered working in Health Promotion.

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