This is NSW Health's latest update about swine flu, its symptoms and treatment:
LATEST NEWS: How did baby Kody get swine flu in hospital isolation unit?Information about the diseaseH1N1 Influenza 09 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. The virus is a type of influenza A virus (H1N1). This new virus has been found in people in many countries, including Australia. This virus was originally called "human swine influenza" because it is similar to the swine influenza virus that usually occurs in pigs.This winter, H1N1 influenza 09 will continue spreading within the population of NSW, along with other influenza viruses seen each winter. The H1N1 influenza 09 virus produces a mild illness in most, a severe illness in some, and is a moderate illness overall. Because there is little immunity to this virus in the community, it is likely more people will become sick with influenza ('the flu') this winter, compared to usual winters.Is this a severe pandemic?The World Health Organization considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate.The moderate assessment reflects that:• most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care. • overall, national rates of severe illness from H1N1 Influenza 09 appear similar to rates seen during usual seasonal influenza periods, although high levels of disease have occurred in some local areas and institutions. • overall, hospitals and health care systems in most countries have been able to cope with the numbers of people seeking care, although some facilities and systems have been stressed in some localities. NSW Health is closely monitoring the progression of the disease and its impact on at risk groups. For up to date information visit NSW Health website.Who is at risk?Anyone can get H1N1 influenza 09. Some people with existing health conditions are at a higher risk of severe illness.What are the symptoms?Both H1N1 influenza 09 and normal seasonal influenza can produce the symptoms of fever, chills, cough, sore throat, tiredness, and muscle aches, and some people have also complained of vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe cases of influenza can result in breathing difficulty and pneumonia. Symptoms generally appear between two to four days after exposure.What should I do if I develop symptoms?If you get symptoms of influenza:• if you have a moderate or severe illness, or belong to a group at higher risk of severe illness, you should visit your general practitioner• otherwise, stay at home until you are better • when visiting the doctor, call ahead to see if the doctor can put you in a separate waiting area and ask for a mask if you are coughing and have to wait near other people • cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of it in the garbage after use • wash your hands with soap and running water for 10 seconds after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, and before touching other people or objects that other people might touch.What is the public health response?NSW Health is longer quarantining contacts of people with H1N1 Influenza 09. However, in order to reduce the spread of the virus to others, you are requested to stay at home until you are well.Generally, only hospitalised patients or those at risk of severe illness will be tested for H1N1 Influenza 09. If you have been tested for influenza, and have a positive test, the laboratory will confidentially notify the local Public Health Unit. NSW Health also monitors the incidence of influenza in the community by tracking the number of people presenting to selected clinics with influenza-like illness, and the number of laboratory samples submitted to selected laboratories. Certain environments where transmission can occur more readily (such as aged care facilities) will be the focus of public health action.Our hospital systems area also preparing for the likelihood of receiving a higher number of cases of influenza patients this winter.
