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Influenza latest: Wellington moves to management phase

New Zealand is moving to a “manage it” phase as part of our response to the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak. The shift in phase reflects the increased spread of the virus, rather than a change in the severity of the illness, especially in three of our main centres – Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. This has been predicted since the rapid spread started occurring in Australia.

The shift in New Zealand’s response is in keeping with the World Health Organisation’s assessment that the overall severity of the disease is moderate, but spreading globally. Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care.

Efforts to adapt and introduce new measures are underway and these measures are expected to be in place by early next week. These measures include enabling community-based health services to manage large numbers of people with influenza as well as maintain services for patients with other illnesses. An important part of this approach includes individuals being prepared to look after themselves at home in the same way they would with seasonal flu.

Activities at the border will continue, providing health information to people arriving in New Zealand and advice as necessary.

The Ministry is not advising people to cancel social gatherings, sports events and travel. However, there are practical steps that individuals and communities can take to reduce the community spread of the virus. These steps include practising good hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes. If you are sick, stay home until you have fully recovered as you can easily spread the germs to others.

Information for the public is being constantly revised and improved to ensure people have easy access to comprehensive advice about the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

General information on the signs and symptoms of the new influenza, and advice on limiting the spread of infection and how to care for yourself at home are available on the Ministry of Health website. The Influenza A (H1N1) webpages have been upgraded to make it easier for people to find information.

Information and health advice can be accessed through Healthline 0800 611 116. The Ministry of Health is boosting the capacity of the Healthline call centre to try to reduce waiting times and the Ministry apologises for delays experienced by some people. Callers to Healthline seeking flu information who do not have symptoms should take the “Press 1” option. They will hear the recorded information about Influenza A (H1N1) but can also opt to speak to an operator at anytime. Those with flu symptoms should “Press 2” to speak to a registered nurse.

Regional phone numbers for advice are also being set up in some areas.

National GP support line

A national GP support line for all flu pandemic queries has been set up to help better manage the rise in swine flu cases.

The helpline for GPs has been established by the Ministry of Health, the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and ProCare Health to provide GPs with dedicated support for queries and updates on the new Influenza A (H1N1) “swine flu” virus.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme
As part of the management of the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak, the Ministry of Health has purchased an extra 125,000 doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine, which is still available for use.

The fewer people who contract seasonal influenza, the fewer hospitalisations will occur. The people most at risk of complications are those who are in the group eligible for the free programme. If more of this group are vaccinated, it means there will be a better chance of being able to deal with the increasing numbers of people likely to be hospitalized with complications from Influenza A (H1N1).

The Ministry of Health is strongly encouraging frontline health workers to be vaccinated for seasonal influenza. This means hospitals and other frontline health services will be better able to cope with the increased demand over the winter months.

Advice for workplaces

It is business as usual for most workplaces. Staff should stay home only if they have flu-like symptoms or if they have received medical advice to stay home. Generally, if a staff member is suspected of having influenza A (H1N1), public health staff will assess them and advise on appropriate action.

How to protect yourself and others

  • Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.
  • Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings.
  • Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work.
  • If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. Most people will be able to safely recover at home.
  • You should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone first), for example if you have a serious underlying health condition or your condition worsens. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions, who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza. If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116 in the first instance, or your GP. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.
  • If you are caring for someone with flu, watch for signs that they may need further medical attention, including: shortness of breath, chest pain, blueness around the lips, inability to keep fluids down, becoming less alert or lightheadedness. More information can be found on the websites of the Department of Human Services of the State Government of Victoria in Australia and the Centers for Disease Control in the US.

Be prepared – at home and in the workplace

  • Be prepared - This is the time for people to make sure they’re prepared to be self-sufficient for a week, should they need to. This means you should have enough food water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
  • Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
  • Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
  • Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag
  • Checklists and advice on how individuals and families can prepare for a pandemic are available on the Ministry of Health's website.