Residential care facilities
PROTECT phase
NSW moved to the new PROTECT phase of influenza pandemic management on 17 June 2009. One of the key aims of the PROTECT phase is to control outbreaks in high-risk settings, such as special schools and residential care facilities.
'Residential care facilities' refer to facilities where the residents live some or all of their lives in the facility on an ongoing basis.
Plan and prepare
This winter, H1N1 influenza 09 (formerly called human swine influenza) 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.
Managers and staff of residential care facilities need to plan and prepare for an outbreak of respiratory illness, including influenza, this winter.
The Communicable Diseases Network Australia has prepared A Practical Guide to assist in the Prevention and Management of Influenza Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities in Australia.
If there are three or more cases of influenza-like illness amongst residents, the facility manager should contact the local Public Health Unit. General symptoms include chills, cough, sore throat, tiredness and muscle aches.
Additional resources
This website has additional information:
• for people at an increased risk of severe illness from influenza
• for those caring for someone with influenza
• for health professionals
You can access these documents from the left and right hand navigation columns. Please regularly check for new information.