New Zealand - Residents told to stock up in case of quarantine.
New Zealand - Residents told to stock up in case of quarantine.
Warning against deliberately getting virus
By RUTH HILL - The Dominion Post
Last updated 09:53 16/06/2009
TESTING TIME: Suzanne Miller, who specialises in infection control, holds a container of nose and throat swabs. She said most swine flu cases had been "very mild''.
<!-- video=2502768 count=1--> <!--video story page feature-->
Second police recruit has swine flu
<!--end story feature title-->
<!-- video=2502818 count=2--> <!--video story page feature-->
A beginner's guide to swine flu
<!--end story feature title-->
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/swine-flu
<!-- Begin relevant offers adspace--> <script>add_batch_ad('adRELEVANTOFFER1', '240x45_SPECIALOFFER','RELEVANTOFFER1');</script>
<!--story_features(_empty)--> <!-- -normal_story_landing- --> <!--start components/story/common_content--> Wellington residents are being advised to stockpile supplies in case they are forced into swine flu quarantine.
The number of confirmed swine flu cases in New Zealand is escalating, with 100 confirmed cases - including five new cases in Wellington.
The Health Ministry is warning against people deliberately contracting swine flu, as widespread absences from work and school would have a severe negative impact on the community.
Media reports in Australia and the United States say some parents have intentionally exposed their children to swine flu, believing that infecting them now will save them from a potentially more virulent strain in the future.
Deputy director of public health Fran McGrath said whether getting the virus to gain immunity to it was a good strategy would be known in the future, but at this stage New Zealand had a relatively small number of cases and the ministry wanted that to continue through the normal flu season.
''For individuals it tends to be a mild to moderate illness - it can be serious for some.
''But it's the impact of widespread absences, business continuity, schools and workplaces, that is like to be severe impact.''
The maker of anti-viral drug Tamiflu admitted yesterday it may not be able to keep up with public demand. Though the Government has a stockpile of Tamiflu, shipments are selling out at chemists the day they arrive. District health boards say services will inevitably be cut as the pandemic spreads.
Health Minister Tony Ryall said though community outbreaks had now been reported in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, the Government's strategy was "containment".
"We want to delay the major impact of swine flu beyond the normal winter cycle if we can."
There were normally about 31,000 people admitted to hospital during winter. Health officials estimated there could be an extra 4000 if the swine flu peak matched that of winter flu.
Several schools in Auckland and Christchurch have already quarantined pupils at home or closed, while councils have plans to close swimming pools and libraries and cancel "non-essential" services in the event of a major outbreak.
Wellington City Council is advising residents to stockpile food and supplies in case they are quarantined to prevent spread of the virus.
A second police recruit tested positive for swine flu at the Police College in Porirua. Fifty people had been quarantined and the college had postponed new courses.
And a patient being treated for swine flu in a Scottish hospital has become the first in Britain to die from the virus.
In New Zealand, there are 66 people in isolation being treated with Tamiflu, along with 17 probable cases.
To relieve pressure on emergency departments and limit cross-infection, some health boards, including Capital and Coast, are setting up swine flu assessment centres to test suspected cases referred by doctors.
Wellington medical officer of health Margot McLean said the assessment centre in the old outpatients unit next to the new regional hospital opened on Friday and tested 50 people during the weekend. A pandemic could force the cancellation of elective surgery and outpatient appointments, she said.
"Depending on the extent of the outbreak, it is inevitable it will impact on primary health and hospital services .... But district health boards have contingency plans to minimise the impact."
Infection control specialist nurse Suzanne Miller said most cases had been "very mild" and no one had yet required admission to hospital.
Of the 26 cases confirmed in Wellington, 14 had not been overseas.
As of Friday, 74 countries had officially reported 29,669 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 145 deaths.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
* Swine flu symptoms are almost identical to ordinary flu symptoms. It can also be hard to distinguish between influenza and a bad cold.
* Cold symptoms include a sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion, a cough and sometimes a slight fever.
* Flu symptoms come on faster and tend to be more severe. They can also include headaches, muscle aches and a chill.
* The Health Ministry advises caution if you are unwell and have cold or flu symptoms you should stay home from work or study.
* If your condition worsens, phone a GP or call the Healthline on 0800-611-116 for medical advice.
- NZPA
