NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

[Sally Furniss]

Influenza A H1N1 Update - Canterbury DHB

Wednesday, 17 June 2009, 5:23 pm
Press Release: Canterbury District Health Board

DATE: 17 June 2009

A screening unit has opened today for contacts of the cluster of Influenza A (H1N1) cases in east Christchurch.

People will be referred to the Unit in Breezes Rd, Aranui by phoning their GP and arranging an appointment. Assessment at the Centre will be by appointment only.

?We hope to find any contacts of people who have had the illness that have not been able to be identified through schools and workplaces,? Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink said.

The Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group?s Dr Phil Schroeder, who is heading the establishment of the Unit said, ?people would be assessed by their GP over the phone to see if they fitted the criteria for attending the Unit.? The criteria will include flu-like symptoms and the possibility that they have been in contact with people with Influenza A (H1N1) locally. This will include people from the Pacific community who have had contact with a person with the flu.

Local GP Dr Kim Burgess will be the Clinical Lead for the Centre.

?We are working very closely with the Pacific community to support families that may have the virus. This is a joint effort between our clinical teams and the community,? says Dr Burgess.

Peter Retimanu, Chairman of the Pegasus Health Pacific Reference Group, is supporting the response.

?There is a high degree of anxiety within the Pacific community about this illness. The community has put up its hands to help. The centre will have people who speak the language and support the Doctors and Nurses doing their work.? Anyone who has been overseas in the last four days and is unwell with flu-like symptoms should call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or phone a GP. If anyone knows they are a contact of a person confirmed as having Influenza A (H1N1) and have not been spoken to by health authorities, they should also call Healthline or a GP.

The symptoms of the new influenza 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 and fatigue. Some people who have been infected with this virus have also reported diarrhoea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, in rare instances overseas severe illness and death have occurred.

For further information about influenza in Canterbury see the website www.fluinfo.org.nz Information is also available on the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - Canterbury District Health Board Updates

Re: NZ - Canterbury District Health Board Updates

CDHB Swine Flu Update ? 22.6.09
Monday, 22 June 2009, 4:24 pm
Press Release: Canterbury DHB

CDHB Swine Flu Update ? 22.6.09

Canterbury?s first Flu Centre, that was opened last Friday 19 June, has so far seen 157 people for medical assessment of their flu symptoms.

Most of these people had been given an appointment at the Centre after calling the Canterbury Flu Line 0800 37 30 37, that opened on Saturday.

According to Phil Schroeder, who leads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group, almost 400 people called the Flu Line over the weekend, with most being given advice over the phone rather than being booked for an appointment at the Centre.

?Most people with influenza will feel miserable for about a week but will be able to manage at home with rest, paracetamol (for a fever) and plenty of fluids. The Flu Centre is for people who are becoming significantly unwell and these are the people that we have seen in the last few days, ?he said.

?Family, friends or neighbours are very important in providing support for sick people particularly if the person that is ill normally cares for others,? Dr Schroeder said.

Anyone who is worried about their flu symptoms or who has an ongoing medical condition, that puts them at risk of complications from influenza, should call the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37. An appointment will be then made at a Flu Centre if necessary.

Dr Schroeder said he would like to remind people not to visit a General Practice, pharmacy, hospital or other health provider if they have influenza.

?Doing this puts other people, including those who may have other illnesses, at risk of getting the flu. The 0800 number needs to be the first port of call in Canterbury."

?Obviously if it is an emergency and someone is seriously unwell, they should call 111."

For further information about influenza in Canterbury visit www.fluinfo.org.nz

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0906/S00140.htm

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - Canterbury District Health Board Updates

Re: NZ - Canterbury District Health Board Updates

COMMUNICATIONS

Media Release - 23/06/09
CDHB Swine Flu Update ? 23 June 2009
Canterbury?s first Flu Centre will tomorrow, as planned, be extended to three times its current size to cope with future demand for its services.

Dr Phil Schroeder, who leads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group, said, ?a total of 170 patients with flu symptoms were seen yesterday at the Centre, following 907 calls to the Canterbury Flu Line?.

?Staff are looking forward to completion of the extra space which will include a bigger waiting area and more cubicles for assessment,? he said.

?There has been a huge team of people working on constructing the new Centre and we are really grateful for the speed that they have done this for us. A week ago there was nothing on this site but a warehouse,? he said.

Some people had to wait outside the Centre yesterday as a number of people were arriving without an appointment.

?To be fair to everyone, it is essential that people make an appointment through the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37,? Dr Schroeder said.

?While most people will be able to manage at home they should call the Flu Line if they are worried about their flu symptoms. An appointment will be made at the Flu Centre if necessary,?

People visiting the Flu Centre are asked to wait in their cars prior to their appointment time. If their appointment time is delayed there is a waiting room in the Flu Centre that will be enlarged as of Wednesday.

For further information about influenza in Canterbury visit www.fluinfo.org.nz

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - Canterbury District Health Board Updates

Re: NZ - Canterbury District Health Board Updates

CDHB Swine Flu Update 24 June 2009
Wednesday, 24 June 2009, 4:04 pm
Press Release: Canterbury District Health Board

Media Release
DATE: 24 June 2009
SUBJECT: CDHB Swine Flu Update ? 24 June 2009

Cantabrians worried about their influenza symptoms are being urged to telephone the Canterbury Flu Line instead of turning up without an appointment at Flu Centres across the region.

As well as a Flu Centre in central Christchurch, other centres have been set up in Ashburton and Akaroa for medical assessment of people with influenza. Two more are due to open soon in Waikari and Kaikoura in north Canterbury.

Although most people will be able to manage at home, anyone 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 Canterbury?s Flu Centres if necessary.

Dr Phil Schroeder, who leads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group, said 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. All Canterbury people, regardless of where they live in the region, should in the first instance call 0800 37 30 37 if they need further information about dealing with their flu symptoms.? A total of 140 people were yesterday seen at the Christchurch Flu Centre, which today tripled in size to cope with future demand. There were also a total of 957 calls to the Canterbury Flu Line yesterday, with most people being given advice over the telephone, rather than being booked for an appointment.

Ashburton GP Dr Malcolm Wootton, who is leading the Mid Canterbury pandemic response, said only small numbers had so far visited Ashburton?s Flu Centre, which is situated in the grounds of Ashburton Hospital. The former Flu Screening Unit became a Flu Centre on Monday.

Dr Howard Wilson, a GP at Akaroa Health Centre, said three people with flu symptoms had visited the town?s Flu Centre when it opened on Friday but it had been quiet since.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0906/S00151.htm

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

Situation in South Canterbury

The following information comes from Medical Officer of Health Dr Daniel Williams -

There is no change in the status in South Canterbury from yesterday. South Canterbury remains in ‘Containment phase’ with no confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1.
There have been no tests carried out in the past 24 hours, and all outstanding test results have come back negative. There are no confirmed cases of swine flu in South Canterbury.


The following information comes from Incident Controller Christine Nolan -

West End Hall has been confirmed as the site of the first CBAC but there is no opening date planned at this stage. The timing of opening a CBAC will not be determined by the number of confirmed cases. It will be determined by the number of people who are sick with flu-like illness in the community. CBACs are designed to ease pressure on health services when large numbers of sick people overwhelm them. This is being assessed daily. Once a decision is made to open a CBAC, it will open within a day.

http://www.scdhb.co.nz/index.php/news/95/65

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

CDHB Swine Flu Update ? 25 June 2009
Thursday, 25 June 2009, 5:17 pm
Press Release: Canterbury District Health Board

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.

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/06/25/1245b693c7b2
Latest official figures from the Ministry of Health show at least 233 people have swine flu throughout New Zealand and 417 have contracted the virus since the outbreak began.

Confirmed cases have risen by 31 since Wednesday, but the tally is now an under-estimate because routine testing for the virus is no longer being done in the main centres.

The figures indicate that Wellington has most people with swine flu, at 85, with 70 current cases in Auckland and 49 in Canterbury.

Otago and Southland remain the only places with no confirmed cases of the virus, according to the Health Ministry.
Concern for doctors

An Auckland primary healthcare leader is concerned about the possibility that up to half of doctors and others working in general practice could get swine flu.

John Cameron, medical executive officer at Procare Health, says doctors are worried about the effect on medical practices as the number of swine flu cases increase.

Dr Cameron says medical practices are managing, with substantial help from the public.
Flu 'widespread' in capital

Wellington's Medical Officer of Health Margot McLean says swine and seasonal flu are widespread in the community.

Dr McLean says pockets within the region - particularly Porirua and Petone - have had more cases than others, with corresponding school absenteeism. She says health authorities are busy but coping well.

Meanwhile, Canterbury health authorities say that swine flu is now in most parts of Christchurch. There have been 108 confirmed cases since the outbreak began.

Canterbury primary pandemic group leader Phil Shroeder says 103 people visited the Canterbury Flu Centre on Wednesday, following more than 870 telephone calls to the Flu Line.

 

[tropical]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/06/25/1245b693c7b2
...
An Auckland primary healthcare leader is concerned about the possibility that up to half of doctors and others working in general practice could get swine flu.
...

The GP and others everywhere must stop believe in their's natural strenght only, and start immediately to wearing full masks/gloves/decont./... protections, during all time at work.

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

Media Release - 25/06/09
CDHB Influenza A (H1N1) Update – 29 June 2009

People who are unwell with flu-symptoms are asked to stay away from public events and meetings to help prevent the spread of Influenza A (H1N1). Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey said, “health professionals are receiving queries from event organisers and companies questioning whether they should hold their gatherings and meetings but the solution lies with people who are sick.”

“Anyone who is unwell at home should stay where they are. If you start to feel sick while at work or in a public place you should take yourself home, remembering to cover your coughs and sneezes and keeping your distance from others.”

Most people will be able to manage at home with rest, plenty of fluids paracetamol and support from those close to them but anyone 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.

Unlike the initial stage of this influenza pandemic, Tamiflu is not being given to everyone suspected of having Influenza A (H1N1).

Phil Schroeder, who heads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group, said,” Tamiflu is being reserved for people with influenza who need it most. This includes those who are seriously ill or in hospital, pregnant women, anyone with an underlying condition that would be at risk of complications from influenza, people who have reduced immunity, residents of institutions and healthcare workers.”
Travellers wanting Tamiflu should phone their General Practice to discuss obtaining a prescription.

A total of 181 people were seen at the central Christchurch Flu Centre over the weekend. This followed more than 800 calls to the Canterbury Flu Line (0800 37 30 37).

http://www.cdhb.govt.nz/communications/media/2009/090629.htm

 

[tropical]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

#9:
"Health Alistair Humphrey said, ?health professionals are receiving queries from event organisers and companies questioning whether they should hold their gatherings and meetings but the solution lies with people who are sick.?
...
?Anyone who is unwell at home should stay where they are."


What a diplomatic answer without any coercitive measures.

Plying on the people sense of right behavior, at the same time when the main advisors answers to official companies queries if cancel the gatherings is to continue as nothing happens.

Close! Show must NOT go on.

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

Thursday, 2 July, 2009 - 17:28
CBHB Swine Flu Update

2 July 2009 - Influenza A (H1N1) seems to have reached rural Canterbury with rural GPs and Flu Centres reporting an increased number of people with influenza-like illness, according to Dr Phil Schroeder, who heads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group.

Flu Centres are now open in Kaikoura, Hurunui, Ashburton, Akaroa and Christchurch.

"While things are relatively quiet in Ashburton and Akaroa, GPs and flu centres in other rural areas are certainly reporting more flu, with three confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) being identified by Kaikoura GPs," Dr Schroeder said.

"Flu centres for the Selwyn and Waimakariri areas are planned but are in a holding pattern until required. These flu centres are designed to cope with increased demand for assessment of flu symptoms and to allow General Practices, after hours surgeries and the Emergency Department to continue to treat people who do not have influenza," he said.

In the last week 156 Canterbury people from rural areas and towns outside Christchurch have provided information on their illness and symptoms over the Canterbury Flu Line or in person at a Flu Centre. This represents about 8.5 per cent of the total number who have talked to staff at the flu line or a Centre.

Most people with influenza will be able to manage at home with rest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol and support from those close to them but anyone who is worried about their flu symptoms should telephone the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37. An appointment can be made at one of the region's Flu Centres if necessary

http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/cbhb-swine-flu-update/5/17544

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

COMMUNICATIONS
<!-- put your page content after here --> Media Release - 7/07/09


Cantabrians Receiving Tamiflu at Flu Centres

As part of the Canterbury health sector?s response to the influenza pandemic, Tamiflu is available to the general public through Flu Centre visits or by phone contact with GPs rather than through pharmacies.
This has been done to ensure that people with flu symptoms are not going to pharmacies or General Practices to obtain the medicine but instead, staying home and telephoning the Canterbury Flu Line or their GP if they are concerned about their symptoms.



The Ministry of Health has given clear guidance about when Tamiflu can be made available by General Practitioners to their patients. In general, this only includes people considered at high risk of complications including those with respiratory or heart disease, taking medicines that suppress immunity and pregnant women. These high risk patients should phone their GPs or the Canterbury Flu Line 0800 37 30 37 if they have flu-like symptoms.


Dr Paul McCormack, deputy primary care pandemic coordinator, said, ?we are working very hard in Canterbury to keep our primary health system (general practices, district nursing and pharmacies) free from influenza to ensure health services will not collapse due to staff shortages. People with influenza visiting pharmacies and General Practice waiting rooms would also put other members of the public at risk of getting the flu. ?



?Anyone who is feeling very unwell with the flu or has the flu and a health condition that could make them prone to flu complications should call the Canterbury Flu Line 0800 37 30 37. An appointment can then be made at the Flu Centre and those that need Tamiflu to reduce the impact of the disease will be given it.?


http://www.healthfirst.govt.nz/communications/media/2009/090707.htm

 

[DazzaMc]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

CDHB Swine Flu Update

Being a little community minded will help everyone come through the current influenza pandemic in better shape, says Dr Phil Schroeder, who heads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group.?We are getting reports of some people being upset by notices on pharmacy, General Practice and business doors advising them not to come in if they have flu-symptoms,? he said.

?By staying at home and asking family, friends or neighbours to pick up any essential supplies you will be helping others to stay well, so that they can continue to provide health care and other services that our community needs.? Most people with the flu are able to care for themselves at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol if they need it for a fever or headache. Anyone who is worried about their flu symptoms can call the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37. An appointment can be made at a Flu Centre if required.

Dr Schroeder said that as the number of people with influenza in the community increases, the number of people being seen with more severe symptoms at Canterbury?s flu centres is also increasing. Today there were 55 people with flu-like symptoms in Canterbury hospitals, 12 of whom had confirmed swine flu. Three of the confirmed cases were in the Intensive Care Unit at Christchurch Hospital.

A total of 193 people attended Christchurch?s St Asaph St Flu Centre yesterday and 266 were seen during the weekend. ?People presenting at the Centre are generally sicker than they were a fortnight ago but we know that they only represent the tip of the iceberg when you think of all the people in Canterbury who are unwell at the moment and caring for themselves at home. Anecdotally our community is really feeling the effects of this pandemic now.
?
As part of its efforts to reduce the spread of the disease and limit the number of people becoming sick at the same time, Canterbury District Health Board has been sending influenza information to providers of school holiday programmes and other venues families will be visiting during the school holidays.

?If your children are unwell with flu-like symptoms, you really need to keep them at home and away from others for about a week. By doing this you will be really helping to limit the effect of the flu when children return to school next week,? Dr Schroeder said.

ENDS

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0907/S00069.htm

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

CDHB Swine Flu Update ? 15.7.09
Wednesday, 15 July 2009, 5:20 pm
Press Release: Canterbury District Health Board

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 15 July 2009
SUBJECT: CDHB Swine Flu Update ? 15.7.09

People with significant health conditions who become ill with influenza are urged to telephone their General Practice or the Canterbury Flu Line for advice within 48 hours of their first symptoms.

Dr Phil Schroeder, who heads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group, says that although most people with the flu are able to care for themselves at home, people with underlying conditions who become ill should seek further advice for managing their symptoms. This is because they are at greater risk of complications from the flu, such as pneumonia.


People at higher risk of complications from the flu include those with moderate to severe asthma; diabetes; heart, lung or kidney disease and neurological conditions.

Women who are pregnant and people whose immune systems are compromised because they are taking medications such as cancer treatments or have HIV should also seek advice.

?It?s important that people with these conditions make contact with a health professional as soon as possible when they become ill with influenza. This includes telephoning their General Practice or the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37. An appointment can be made at a Flu Centre if needed,? Dr Schroeder said.

Dr Schroeder said Ministry of Health guidance says Tamiflu should be considered in the treatment of people with underlying conditions who have the flu. The anti-viral drug only works if it is taken within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms, which makes it even more important that people with underlying conditions seek advice early.

Today, there were 59 people with flu-like symptoms in Canterbury hospitals, 11 of whom had confirmed swine flu. Four of the confirmed cases were in Christchurch Hospital?s Intensive Care Unit.

A total of 146 people attended Christchurch?s St Asaph St Flu Centre yesterday.

There were a total of five attendances at the Ashburton Flu Centre.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0907/S00078.htm

 

[tropical]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

#13:
"?By staying at home and asking family, friends or neighbours to pick up any essential supplies you will be helping others to stay well, so that they can continue to provide health care and other services that our community needs.?"

Apart that many will have dificulties with the above in real time (2 days), and that the cited folks could also be infected, an optimaly organized society must have a fast system of drugs delivery service (similar to DHL) without relying on citizens.

If the stores could have home deliveries for the citizens in their wide area,
not have this organized for drugs is lacking.

Bill the homes for the service, if neccessary, but instaurate an indipendent delivery by post, or an special service (why it is always so dificult to arange better things ...).

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

MEDIA RELEASES
07/21/09
Swine Flu July 22

Statistics and South Canterbury Information

1. Number of confirmed cases in South Canterbury ? 30, up three from yesterday.
2. Number of patients in hospital with H1N1 ? The 52 year old man reported as being in ICU yesterday has tested negative for swine flu (H1N1). He remains in a stable condition. A 19-year-old man who was admitted overnight to the hospital (not to ICU) has been tested for H1N1 today. A result is due tomorrow.

Information from the Incident Controller ? Christine Nolan

Staff sickness: Three new cases of influenza like illness have been reported by hospital staff in the past 24 hours. No staff have tested positive for H1N1 in the past 24 hours, but not all staff with influenza-like illness are being tested for H1N1. Samples will only be taken from key staff as part of routine surveillance.

In the past day, two elective procedures and 10 outpatient appointments have been postponed. The two elective procedures were postponed due to the patients developing influenza-like illness, and the outpatient appointments were postponed due to a mixture of sick staff and patients phoning in with flu.

People who are scheduled for an appointment or surgical procedure, and develop flu symptoms, need to phone and let us know they won?t be coming to the hospital so we can give their appointment to someone else.

Community Based Assessment Centres (CBACs) remain unactivated and the situation is being reviewed daily.

Healthline is available 24 hours a day for South Canterbury residents on 0800 611 116.


Information from the South Canterbury Medical Officer of Health ? Dr Daniel Williams

Pregnant women who get sick with influenza should phone Healthline or their own doctor promptly for advice. Pregnant women are at greater risk of complications from the new influenza A (H1N1) virus, and are eligible for free Tamiflu treatment if they develop influenza symptoms. This can be organised by the woman?s own general practitioner or after-hours doctor.

Pregnant women should also remember the simple things anyone can do to protect themselves and others:
1. washing and drying hands frequently
2. staying away from people who are sick
3. avoiding crowded places.

Canterbury and West Coast Information
Canterbury has 505 cases and 2 deaths
West Coast has 40 cases.

Arlene Goss
Communications Advisor
South Canterbury District Health Board
Private Bag 911, Timaru
Ph: 03 684 1395
Fax: 03 688 0238

http://www.scdhb.co.nz/index.php/news/116/65

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - Canterbury - District Health Board Updates

Influenza A (H1N1) Update ? 23 July 2009
Thursday, 23 July 2009, 10:38 am
Press Release: Canterbury District Health Board

Influenza A (H1N1) Update ? 23 July 2009

People with influenza should stay home from work for at least a week to stop the spread of the flu to their work colleagues.

?We need to keep our businesses running,? said Peter Townsend, chief executive of the Canterbury Employers? Chamber of Commerce.

?Slowing down the spread of influenza is important and requires sensible management, common sense and employers and employees working together in their common interest ? and the interests of the community at large.


?Staying at home when sick is the best way of making sure that the impact on our business community, and the Canterbury economy as a whole, is kept to an absolute minimum,? he said.

Most people with the flu will be able to care for themselves at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol if they have a fever or headache, says Dr Phil Schroeder, who heads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group.

?It is up to all of us to make that decision to stay home for at least seven days ? even though we think that we should turn up at work,? he said.

?Stopping the spread of the flu is the most important priority in this situation,? said Dr Schroeder.

Children who are unwell with the flu should also stay away from school for 10 days to protect their classmates and school staff, he said.

?Again this means that an adult has to be there with them and it may be necessary to call on other people who have already had the flu to help out,? said Mr Townsend.

People with significant health conditions who become ill with influenza should telephone their general practitioner or the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37 for advice within 48 hours of their first symptoms.

ENDS

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0907/S00109.htm