Swine Flu
Who to contact
Queensland Health is the lead agency for response to swine influenza. Visit their website at www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu/ or call 13HEALTH.
The Commonwealth Government has also set up a Health Hotline for Swine Influenza, call 1802007.
Further information can be found at:
What is Swine influenza?
Swine influenza (or "swine flu") is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs causing disease and death. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against swine influenza.
People do not usually get swine flu; however viruses are constantly changing and human infections can and do happen. This occurs usually from close association with pigs and in some cases the infection can spread via human to human transmission.
Current human cases of swine flu have arisen from Mexico and human to human transmission has seen it spread worldwide with over 90,000 cases reported at the start of July, and over 10,000 in Australia alone.
In Australia we are currently at the PROTECT phase. This means the focus is on protecting our vulnerable populations.
Vulnerable populations include indigenous people of all ages, pregnant women, those with respiratory disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), heart disease, diabetes, renal and liver disease, obesity and immunosuppression.
If you are in one of these groups and develop flu like symptoms, (cough, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion) you are urged to go to your doctor immediately. Treatment is effective if commenced within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. It is only these groups that are being tested for Swine flu, hence it is predicted that there has been significant under reporting on the number of cases of swine flu.
If you are NOT in one of the vulnerable groups but develop flu like symptoms, you are urged to limit the opportunity for the spread of this virus. This should include:
- Practicing good cough etiquette
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, if that is not available, using anti bacterial wipes or gels and
- If you are sick, stay away from work or school.
Symptoms
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the seasonal human flu:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhoea have also been reported by some people suffering from swine flu.
Like the seasonal flu, swine flu can cause the worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Pneumonia and respiratory failure have also been associated with swine flu.
Transmission
Swine flu is currently spreading by human to human transmission.
It is being spread the same way the seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses are spread - coughing and sneezing. Close contact (i.e. within 1 metre) with an infected person while they are talking, coughing or sneezing can put you at risk. Virus-containing droplets from coughing and sneezing can land on surfaces of the mouth, nose and throat of people close by. The virus can also be spread through contact with infectious respiratory secretions on the hands of an infected person or other objects and surfaces.
Treatment
The strain of swine flu circulating now is new virus therefore there is currently no vaccine available. It is also thought that the common flu vaccine is not likely to protect people from the new swine flu strain.
Anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza are effective in relieving symptoms of this virus.
Simple Steps to Protect Yourself
These measures not only protect you against swine flu but can also protect you against the common flu.
- Avoid contact with people who are ill
- Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus, particularly in public places
- Stay in good general health by being physically active, getting lots of sleep, reducing stress, drinking fluids and eating nutritious food will boost your immune system
- Limit the spread of germs by washing your hands, covering your nose and mouth witha tissue when you cough or sneeze and throwing the used tissue away as well as avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Have tissues and gel sanitiser on hand
top  | 
