Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu

This page was last updated: Monday, 21 June 2010

What’s happening? 21 June 2010

The Ministry of Health reports that the number of GP consultations for influenza type illnesses has increased over the last 3 weeks but now seems to have stabilized. GP practices are reporting more young children who are unwell, and general winter illnesses have increased.

Healthline, the free 24 hour health information phone line, has reported an increase in calls about influenza-type illnesses.

Continue to practice the preventive measures and seek early advice from your GP or Healthline if you are concerned about flu like symptoms.

Within the University currently there is no noticeable increase in sick leave levels or flu like illnesses. If your department or work area has had a recent increase in absenteeism or flu like illnesses, please advise the H&S office as that we can keep track of the situation.

Further information is available at: http://www.moh.govt.nz/influenza-a-h1n1

Weekly consultation rates for influenza-like illness in New Zealand, 2008-2010

Week 23: 7 - 14 June 2010

* A weekly rate < 50 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population is considered baseline activity. A rate of 50-249 is considered indicative of normal seasonal influenza activity, and a rate of 250-399 indicative of higher than expected influenza activity. A rate of over 400 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population indicates an epidemic level of influenza activity.
** Year-to-date 2010 ILI data submitted by most sentinel practices in Counties Manukau DHB have been excluded due to sensitivity and specificity issues that cannot be resolved.

Previous updates are available at the bottom of this page.

What is Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu?

Swine flu is a group of influenza viruses that causes flu in pigs. Usually such infections in humans are uncommon.

The flu virus which is infecting people is a new strain of influenza A/H1N1. It is not certain how it developed. Its genetic makeup includes genes from human flu, avian (bird) flu and swine flu.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms to be aware of are:

• Sudden onset of illness
• Fever above 38 degrees Celsius
• Fatigue
• Muscle pains
• Runny nose/cough/sore throat
• In some cases, people also have vomiting and diarrhoea.

If you are unwell with the above symptoms, stay at home and self manage with paracetamol, plenty of fluids and keeping warm. If you develop more severe symptoms, or are caring for someone who does, then phone your Health Provider or the Healthline (0800 611 116). More severe symptoms include:

• difficulty breathing,
• chest pain,
• blueness around the lips,
• inability to keep fluids down,
• decrease in alertness, or confusion

What about travel?

Currently there are no official restrictions on travel. However, non-essential travel to affected areas is not recommended. If you have a trip booked to an affected area (work or pleasure), please contact the H&S office for more information.

• Information on affected areas
• Latest Ministry of Health Travel Notice

What if I, a workmate, or a student has just returned from overseas?

Anyone who has returned from overseas within the last seven days and is unwell, phone your doctor or the Healthline (0800 611 116) and tell them where you have travelled and that you are unwell. It is important to do this by phone before visiting your GP. Please stay away from work and phone your Supervisor/Manager, and the Health and Safety Office as soon as possible to advise of your situation.

Anyone who is placed in quarantine by Public Health , please ring your supervisor/manager and the Health and Safety Office as soon as possible to advise of your situation.

What about immunisation?

The annual flu vaccination programme has recently been completed. It is not currently known whether the flu vaccine will help to prevent Swine Flu.

Additional seasonal influenza vaccines have been purchased by the Ministry of Health and are available through your health provider.

What can you do?

Prevent the spread - find out how you can look after yourself and others and prevent the spread:

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-spread

Practice good hygiene:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue into a rubbish bin (preferably with a lid) after you use it.
• Thorough hand washing and drying, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Stay away from work if you are sick.

Stay 1 metre away from sick people to avoid illness

Have a plan for your flat or family

• Check the back page of the phone book for civil defence advice
• Be aware if any friends or family members have travelled to affected areas and follow the MoH advice (www.moh.govt.nz).

Build up your emergency supply kit

• include fever medication, non-perishable food, tissues / toilet paper

For further advice, see: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-prepare

If you are looking after others, see http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-care for more information.

Download a copy of the University of Otago Health and Safety - Keep it Clean guidelines (in PDF format).

Advice to Students

As winter approaches, this is a good time to remind you of the usual advice regarding influenza symptoms.

What should you do if you have 'flu' symptoms?

If you have sudden onset of respiratory illness with fever > 38C, headaches, muscle aches, cough, and runny nose, then you should stay at home until you are well. If you are very unwell with these symptoms, or they have not reduced after 48 to 72 hours, then you should ring the Student Health Service for advice.

What about if I have a compulsory tutorial or laboratory class, a test coming up, or an assignment due?

As usual, you should contact the person who deals with this for the course in advance of the tutorial, laboratory, test, or the due date for the assignment.

What about swine 'flu?

At present the University is continuing with business as usual, so unless you are unwell you should attend lectures, laboratories, and tutorials as normal.

If you have the symptoms above, and you have returned from overseas within the last week, you should ring Student Health and they will advise you.

Please see the Student Health Service website for more information http://www.otago.ac.nz/studenthealth

A communication has been issued to all students on self help advice during the semester break and returning the University. There are no restrictions for staff or students to stay away from the University when returning from overseals.

Message to all Students from Student Health:

Keeping yourself and others safe from Influenza A (H1N1 - Swine Flu) during the Semester Break.

During the semester break, you may be travelling around New Zealand and/or returning to New Zealand from international destinations. There are no travel restrictions in place, however the following advice is provided by the Ministry of Health:

• If you, or anyone you know, has recently travelled and is ill with influenza type symptoms, the advice is to phone the GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) or Student Health (03 4798212) for medical advice. Do not turn up at a hospital, medical centre or student health before phoning as you can spread germs to other people.
• Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.
• 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.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag, and then clean your hands.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings.
• On your return to Dunedin after the semester break, if you fall ill with flu-like symptoms within four days of your return, and you believe that you need medical attention, please ring Student Health (03 479 8212). Student Health will give you up-to-date advice on your best course of action.

Information sources

FAQ
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-questions#parties

International SOS Swine Flu update
http://urgent.internationalsos.com

Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov /swineflu/investigation.htm

Ministry of Health
http://www.moh.govt.nz

New Zealand Customs Service
http://www.customs.govt.nz

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
http://www.safetravel.govt.nz

World Health Organisation
http://www.who.int

New Zealand Food Safety Authority
http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz

Healthline: 0800 611 116

Health and Safety Office Contacts

Andrea McMillan
Tel 03 479 7380

Judith Vercoe
Tel 03 479 4026

Cath Logan
Tel 03 479 5034

Previous Updates

What's happening 17 May 2010

We are nearing the end of the influenza immunization campaign – close to 1700 vaccines have been administered at the Otago Campus - a great effort by all!

The Pandemic Preparedness and Planning Group continue to meet to identify any other precautions or preparations required. In the meantime, please continue with the general hygiene measures of frequent hand washing, sneeze and cough etiquette and stay home if you are unwell.

The picture in New Zealand of the current rate of flu like illnesses is shown below from the Ministry of Health Site. The rates are still low and long may that continue.

Further information is available on: http://www.moh.govt.nz/influenza-a-h1n1

Weekly consultation rates for influenza-like illness in New Zealand, 2008-2010

Week 18: 4 May - 10 May

*A weekly rate of less than 50 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population is considered baseline activity. A rate of 50-249 is considered indicative of normal seasonal influenza activity, and a rate of 250-399 indicative of higher than expected influenza activity. A rate of over 400 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population indicates an epidemic level of influenza activity.
Source: Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Influenza Weekly Update 2010/18

Update #29 - What's happening? 3 March 2010

It is that time of year again and we are well into the planning for the seasonal influenza immunization campaign.

The 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine includes protection against H1N1 (Swine Flu).

Please see the following websites for information on the current vaccine:

• http://www.influenza.org.nz/?t=886
• http://www.influenza.org.nz/site_resources/Influenza/Influenza%202010/Flu_vaccine_Brochure%20v6_final.pdf

Otago Campus:

The vaccine is free for staff of the University of Otago; you just need to turn up to one of the clinics listed below:

We do ask you to wait for 20 minutes post immunization in the vicinity.

Wellington, Christchurch and Invercargill Campuses:

Information will be heading your way shortly on how to access your vaccination.

Any queries please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Health and Safety Office:

Cath Logan
Tel 479 5034

Janelle Kennedy
Tel 479 4903

Nevan Trotter
Tel 470 5389, or

Andrea McMillan
Tel 479 7380

Update #28 - What’s happening? 1 March 2010

Northern Hemisphere Influenza Season

Since the NZ flu season 2009, the Northern Hemisphere has experienced their flu season with H1N1. The H1N1 pandemic influenza has been reported from virtually all countries and nearly 15,000 laboratory confirmed deaths have been reported worldwide.

The flu activity peaked in the Northern Hemisphere between late October and late Novembers 2009 and continues to decline.

Transmission of the virus continues in North Africa, some parts of eastern and southeastern Europe, and parts of South and East Asia.

For further information, see: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2010_01_29/en/index.html

New Zealand current situation

Sporadic cases of pandemic flu continue to be reported in the Southern Hemisphere, though there is no evidence of sustained community transmission.

It is possible that a second wave of H1N1 pandemic could occur.

The traditional flu season is likely to be earlier this year, expected at the end of March/early April.

The early bird monovalent vaccine has been made available through the public health system to at risk front line health staff, and those at risk of complications. Those eligible are:

• Front line health staff (intensive care, emergency departments, general practices)
• Pregnant Women
• People under 65 years of age (including children) with serious conditions including respiratory disease, heart disease, liver disease, blood disorders and neurological conditions.
• Adults and children who have immunosuppression
• Morbidly obese individuals
• All children aged from 6 months to their fifth birthday enrolled in designated practices (with high proportions of people who are Maori, Pacific and/or from high deprivation areas.

The monovalent vaccine does not replace the seasonal flu vaccination – this is recommended in addition to those who have the monovalent vaccine.

At present there are no travel restrictions in place.

University Preparedness

The University Pandemic Planning and Preparedness group has met this month to review the current situation and to make plans to respond appropriately.

The flu prevention campaign will commence shortly to encourage frequent hand washing, staying at home if unwell, use of hand sanitisers and flu vaccinations.

The seasonal flu vaccine will contain H1N1 and will be available through Occupational Health as per previous years. There is no charge to staff to have the vaccine. The times and dates will be advertised once the date of vaccine release is known.

Student vaccination is available through Student Health.

The pandemic sick leave policy can be activated as required should case numbers increase as experienced last year.

The phone triage system used by Student Health last year will be activated if required and information will be provided to departments on managing student absenteeism.

Update #27 - What's happening? 12 October 2009

The number of cases of H1N1 and flu like illness consultations continues to fall as illustrated in the MOH graph below.

The flu like illness activity is now at normal rates for the time of year compared with 2007 and 2008.

Therefore, the University of Otago policy regarding special leave for H1N1 illness will expire on Friday 16th October. Any absences related to H1N1 cases after this time will require individual consideration by HR for special leave.

This will be the last update on the H1N1. Standard flu prevention information will remain on the site. Any special alerts will be posted along with department alerts.

The northern hemisphere is just starting their flu season, and this will be closely monitored for the Southern Hemisphere flu season next year.

The MOH swine flu vaccine programme continues as planned for front line health services staff and is likely to start being administered in February 2010.

The seasonal flu immunization programme runs from 1 March to 20 June. The WHO have recommended that the seasonal flu vaccine for the southern hemisphere should contain the swine flu (H1N1) 09 strain.

The Health and Safety Team will have information on the seasonal flu vaccine when released next year, and we will circulate information on the vaccine when available.

This site will be updated providing information on the seasonal flu for 2010 in February.

Thank you all for your participation in the prevention of the spread of flu over the last 6 months - your contribution is vital in the limiting of the spread of influenza through the University and community. We look forward to your continued support for the 2010 flu season.

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-154-071009

Update #26 - 14 September 2009

The graph below identifies that the number of GP consultations for influenza-type illnesses continues to decrease, although H1N1 remains the most dominant flu strain.

The Public Health measures remain the same – stay away from work or school if you are unwell, cough and sneeze etiquette, and frequent hand washing.

WHO is advising countries in the Northern hemisphere, and those with tropical climates, to prepare for a second wave of pandemic spread.

There are no changes to the current University strategies, and regular updates will continue fortnightly.

The graph below identifies that the number of GP consultations for influenza-type illnesses continues to decrease, although H1N1 remains the most dominant flu strain.

The Public Health measures remain the same – stay away from work or school if you are unwell, cough and sneeze etiquette, and frequent hand washing.

WHO is advising countries in the Northern hemisphere, and those with tropical climates, to prepare for a second wave of pandemic spread.

There are no changes to the current University strategies, and regular updates will continue fortnightly.