Hawke’s Bay moves to ‘manage it’ phase

25 June 2009

Hawke’s Bay moves to ‘manage it’ phase

Hawke’s Bay DHB’s Pandemic Incident Management Team is now moving to a “manage it” phase in response to the Novel A H1N1 influenza pandemic. During the 'manage it' phase, people who become unwell with any type of influenza will be expected to stay home and look after themselves. Most will not need medical help.

This move is happening now as more people throughout New Zealand become unwell with both seasonal influenza and the new virus. The numbers of Hawke’s Bay people infected is also expected to rise over the coming weeks and a small proportion of cases will develop more serious complications. Health services will need to prioritise these cases.

“Our aim is to make sure hospitals and healthcare providers have the resources they need to look after those who develop a more severe illness, get complications or have other medical needs” says Warrick Frater, HBDHB’s acting Chief Executive Officer.

In the ‘manage it’ phase treatment with antivirals – Tamiflu and Relenza – will be prescribed for people with more severe influenza or those at higher risk of complications. Swabbing and testing to identify the exact type of influenza will be used only for the more serious cases, or those who are most vulnerable. The majority of people who get flu will be able to look after themselves at home, and won’t need to be treated with antivirals or be swabbed.

There are no immediate plans to open any Community-based Assessment Centres, however planning is well advanced and any future decisions to open dedicated assessment areas would be made based on an increasing number of people seeking medical attention for influenza-like illness.

“For most people H1N1 influenza is a mild to moderate illness, similar to the seasonal influenza we expect each year. Since most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care, treatment will be targeted at those who are most at risk,” says Dr Caroline McElnay, Medical Officer of Health. “If medical advice is needed, people can phone Healthline 0800 611 116 or their GP.”

Health professionals are reminding people that staying home when you’re sick means exactly that – stay home, and avoid infecting others. This means staying away from work or school, the supermarket, visiting friends, or attending any sporting or community event.

“Anyone who thinks they may have influenza should stay home, keep warm and ensure they drink plenty of fluids,” says Dr McElnay. “It’s really important to stay away from other people as this illness can spread within the community very quickly. Stay home doesn’t just mean stay home from work or school – it means stay home from any place or activity where others are around.”

People should call their GP if they develop more serious illness or if they have serious chronic conditions (eg, heart failure, severe lung disease, severe asthma) which put them at risk of a more serious illness. It’s important that people do not turn up at a medical centre or hospital without phoning ahead, as this could help spread germs to others.

Recommended Measures to Help Prevent the Spread of Flu
Good hygiene is the most important step in preventing the spread of influenza and other winter viruses:

• Wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and dry hands well on a regular basis
• Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available
• Try to stay a metre away from sick people
• If you are ill do not go to work or school – stay at home
• Keep coughs and sneezes covered, and dispose of tissues in a covered, lined rubbish bin. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.

Monitor your health:
• If your condition worsens, seek medical advice by PHONING Healthline 0800 611 116 or your healthcare provider.
• Signs and symptoms of the new Novel A (H1N1) virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and can include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.

Also, like seasonal flu:
1. the worst symptoms usually last about five days, but coughing can last up to two to three weeks
2. some very young children, people with some long-term medical conditions, pregnant women, and older people, can get very sick
3. in rare instances severe illness and death can occur.

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