Human Swine Flu Update

Updated 22nd June 2009

Current Situation
Level of Alert
Information for Individuals
What you can do to help
Domestic and International Travel
What to do if you develop symptoms
More Information

Current Situation

A number of cases of the H1N1 Influenza virus (Human Swine Flu) have been confirmed in Australia recently. The majority of cases reported have been mild in severity, similar to the seasonal influenza virus.

Level of Alert

Australia is currently at the ‘Protect’ phase in relation to an influenza pandemic with a greater focus on treating and caring for people in whom the disease may be severe.

Information for Individuals

The NSW Health Department web site contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions in relation to Human Swine Flu. Please click on the following link for more information:

http://www.emergency.health.nsw.gov.au/swineflu/consumers/faq.asp

What You Can Do To Help

It is pertinent to raise awareness of how to prevent the spread of influenza. Listed below are four simple ways to limit the spread of influenza:

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough;
Dispose of used tissues in the bin;
Wash your hands often and thoroughly;
Stay home if you are feeling unwell.

Domestic and International Travel

There is no University restriction on domestic or international travel other than what is advised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Travel.

Travellers to affected locations should ensure that they refer to the DFAT travel advice prior to leaving, obtain the necessary approval and seek medical advice as appropriate.

Travellers returning from affected areas should ensure they are alert to the symptoms of Human Swine Flu. The NSW Health Department states that the symptoms of human swine influenza are similar to seasonal influenza (fever, cough, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat, chills, shortness of breath, runny nose, headache). Some cases of human swine influenza have also complained of vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms of influenza generally appear between two to four days after exposure.

What to do if you develop symptoms

If you get symptoms of influenza:

If you have a moderate or servere 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;
was 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.

Quarantine of people who have been in contact with cases of Human Swine Flu is no longer advised.

More Information

These resources provide further information on the Influenza Pandemic.

NSW Health Department