ADVICE ON MANAGING THE FLU THIS WINTER
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-like illnesses ('the flu') this winter. This winter it is important you know what to do if you start to develop symptoms of the flu.
What are the symptoms of influenza?
Both H1N1 influenza 09 and normal seasonal influenza can produce 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.
Warning signs of severe illness
Every winter influenza causes severe illness in a small number of people. If you or someone you care for become ill with influenza-like symptoms and have any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
Children:
• fast breathing or trouble breathing
• bluish skin colour
• not drinking enough fluids
• excessive drowsiness or significantly reduced activity level
• being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• development of a rash
• persistent vomiting
Adults:
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• bluish skin colour
• pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• sudden dizziness
• confusion
• development of a rash
• persistent vomiting
People who are at an increased risk of severe illness this flu season
Some people have been found to be more likely to develop severe illness from both seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza '09. This group includes people who:
• Are pregnant (particularly in the second and third trimester)
• Have chronic lung disease (including asthma)
• Are very obese
• Have chronic heart conditions
• Have chronic kidney disease
• Have chronic liver disease
• Have blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)
• Have neurological disorders
• Have metabolic disorders (such as diabetes)
• Have weakened or suppressed immune systems (which may be caused by cancers, medications or HIV/AIDS)
• Are of Aboriginal of Torres Strait Islander background (of any age).
If you are in one of the above categories, you should seek urgent medical attention if you develop the symptoms of flu, as you may require anti-influenza medication and it works best if it is given early. Important information is available in the fact sheet - Anti-influenza medications for you and your family
People who are not at an increased risk of severe illness this winter
If you are not at an increased risk of severe complications and you are only mildly unwell, you should remain at home until your symptoms resolve. It is not necessary for you to notify health authorities or receive any prescription medications.
Manage your symptoms:
• paracetamol will help to reduce fever and muscle aches
• take plenty of rest
• make sure you keep your fluids up
• eat healthy food
• wash your hands regularly
• use disposable facial tissues and immediately throw used tissues in a bin
• minimise your contact with other people
• watch for the warning signs of severe illness and seek urgent medical attention if these occur.
If you do require medical assistance, you should call or visit your general practitioner, or call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222. In an emergency call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or present to your local emergency department.
For More Information
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing swine influenza information hotline 1802007
Published by NSW Health - 29 June 2009