CDHB Swine Flu Update – 25 June 2009

Media Release

DATE: 25 June 2009
SUBJECT: CDHB Swine Flu Update – 25 June 2009

People who have been to a Canterbury Flu Centre and later become more unwell should return for further assessment, according to Dr Phil Schroeder, who leads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group.

"We don't want people to think that just because they have been seen once that they cannot seek further medical help if their condition deteriorates," he said.

A total of 103 people were seen at the central Christchurch Flu Centre yesterday and two were seen at the Ashburton Flu Centre. This followed 876 calls to the Canterbury Flu Line (0800 37 30 37).

While all people with flu symptoms in Canterbury are not being swabbed to determine whether they have Influenza A (H1N1), the location of confirmed cases has shown that the illness is now in most parts of the city.

"It is likely that many GPs will have by now seen someone with Swine Flu and we are stressing to General Practices that they need to advise their patients to call the 0800 number if they have flu symptoms, rather than visit surgeries and risk infecting staff and other patients," Dr Schroeder said. "Given their need to be in close contact with patients, staff in General Practices and After Hours surgeries are also advised to take infection control precautions, just in case the patient has Influenza A (H1N1)".

"These really are exceptional circumstances for the health sector. As well as General Practices taking special measures to protect staff, they will need to commit resources to supporting the pandemic response. We need to do this to ensure that we can look after both those who are sick with flu and those who are ill with all the conditions that we see everyday," Dr Schroeder said.

Although most people will be able to manage at home, anyone in Canterbury who is worried about their flu symptoms should telephone the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37. An appointment will be made at one of the region's Flu Centres if necessary. People with influenza should not visit a General Practice, pharmacy, hospital or other health provider. This will put other people at risk of getting the flu.

ENDS

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