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Far too many potential swine flu cases to test
By Grant McArthur | June 16, 2009
Article from: Herald Sun
Swine flu
Out of control ... The Royal Children's Hospital has had to set up an overflow clinic to cope with the checking of swine flu symptoms / Rebecca Michael
ALMOST 5000 Victorians are now estimated to have been infected with swine flu as the virus claimed its first life outside the Americas.
The State Government yesterday upgraded the number of confirmed cases to 1210, but acting chief health officer Dr Rosemary Lester conceded the real number of Victorian cases was three to four times higher.
So far 32 Victorians have been admitted to hospital with swine flu, with three still battling the virus in intensive care units yesterday.
A Western Hospital spokesman said two patients were in a serious but stable condition a week after being admitted.
The size of Victoria's outbreak is now so great that only those most at risk - the elderly, pregnant women and those with other underlying medical conditions - are being tested, resulting in 199 new cases last week.
"At the moment cases confirmed in the laboratory signify only a small fraction of the cases," Dr Lester said.
"It could be three or four times the laboratory confirmed number, but it's very hard to estimate, given the mild nature of the virus. It is not anywhere near the one in three some have suggested.
"We don't know how many cases are out there in the community because many cases are mild and don't even require presenting to a GP." The pandemic has also escalated overseas, with UK officials announcing the first swine flu death outside the Americas after an infected patient died in a Scottish Hospital on Sunday.
A statement from the Scottish Government said the patient had "underlying health conditions".
Australia's two million asthmatics have been warned to be extra wary of swine flu after a US study revealed they are more likely to be admitted to hospital if infected.
More than 40 per cent of those admitted after catching swine flu in New York also have asthma, prompting the National Asthma Council of Australia to urge asthmatics to get a lung function test from their GP.
"We appreciate in these tough economic times that some people will be trying to contain their healthcare costs," NAC chairman Dr Noela Whitby said.
"But in the midst of this particularly difficult flu season, it's really important people with asthma consult their doctor now to ensure their lung health is being effectively managed during winter."
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25643335-5006785,00.html
By Grant McArthur | June 16, 2009
Article from: Herald Sun
Swine flu
Out of control ... The Royal Children's Hospital has had to set up an overflow clinic to cope with the checking of swine flu symptoms / Rebecca Michael
ALMOST 5000 Victorians are now estimated to have been infected with swine flu as the virus claimed its first life outside the Americas.
The State Government yesterday upgraded the number of confirmed cases to 1210, but acting chief health officer Dr Rosemary Lester conceded the real number of Victorian cases was three to four times higher.
So far 32 Victorians have been admitted to hospital with swine flu, with three still battling the virus in intensive care units yesterday.
A Western Hospital spokesman said two patients were in a serious but stable condition a week after being admitted.
The size of Victoria's outbreak is now so great that only those most at risk - the elderly, pregnant women and those with other underlying medical conditions - are being tested, resulting in 199 new cases last week.
"At the moment cases confirmed in the laboratory signify only a small fraction of the cases," Dr Lester said.
"It could be three or four times the laboratory confirmed number, but it's very hard to estimate, given the mild nature of the virus. It is not anywhere near the one in three some have suggested.
"We don't know how many cases are out there in the community because many cases are mild and don't even require presenting to a GP." The pandemic has also escalated overseas, with UK officials announcing the first swine flu death outside the Americas after an infected patient died in a Scottish Hospital on Sunday.
A statement from the Scottish Government said the patient had "underlying health conditions".
Australia's two million asthmatics have been warned to be extra wary of swine flu after a US study revealed they are more likely to be admitted to hospital if infected.
More than 40 per cent of those admitted after catching swine flu in New York also have asthma, prompting the National Asthma Council of Australia to urge asthmatics to get a lung function test from their GP.
"We appreciate in these tough economic times that some people will be trying to contain their healthcare costs," NAC chairman Dr Noela Whitby said.
"But in the midst of this particularly difficult flu season, it's really important people with asthma consult their doctor now to ensure their lung health is being effectively managed during winter."
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25643335-5006785,00.html