NZ: Swine flu cases on rise

[tetano]

Ten reported cases of swine flu in the Waikato over the past two weeks could be "the tip of the iceberg", according to health authorities.

The 10 cases, in people of all age groups, have been notified to Waikato District Health Board's Population Health, and medical officer of health Anita Bell today warned people with symptoms to be "vigilant".

"Waikato health professionals are beginning to see a number of people presenting with influenza A H1N1, the strain that was circulating last year as `swine flu' ? several of whom have been admitted to hospital," she said.

"However this will be the tip of the iceberg as many cases will have mild symptoms and not require health intervention."

She said authorities had not seen anyone with life-threatening symptoms. Last week the Health Ministry confirmed that a North Island man with pre-existing health concerns had died of swine flu.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/3945073/Swine-flu-cases-on-rise

 

[tetano]

Re: NZ: Swine flu cases on rise

Hospitals busy with spike in winter illnesses

There has been a sudden increase in the number of people in Auckland contracting H1N1 ? the virus commonly referred to as swine flu.

The Public Health Service says pregnant women are especially vulnerable and should see a doctor if they get unwell.

It comes as hospital departments around the country struggle with an influx of illness.

St John paramedics and staff at Auckland Hospital have been busy; there has been more trauma, more flu; more people turning up for help as winter starts to bite.

?We've just had out busiest-ever weekend, we saw more than 340 patients as a complex,? says Auckland Emergency Department Clinical director Dr Tim Parke.

That was just on Sunday.

Wellington Hospital's emergency department has seen a six percent rise in patients presenting to the emergency department in the past year. Christchurch is also up.

?Emergency department attendances have been rising about six percent each year annually but over the last calendar year we've gone up 12.5 percent which is a doubling of the rate of increase,? says Dr Parke.

Part of the problem in Auckland is a rapid increase in the number of cases of swine flu.

?We at the Public Health Service have had a seven fold increase in the number of notifications over the past month but we know that that's just the tip of the iceburg,? says Julia Peters, Auckland Public Health clinical leader.

The health ministry says despite the spike in swine flu cases in Auckland, overall numbers nationally are still well below last years surge in notifications.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says he is aware hospitals are under pressure.

?We don't want people waiting around for days in our EDs, but we are bringing waiting times down but at the moment we're in the middle of quite and unexpected surge,? he says.

Dr Tim Parke says they are meeting six hour targets to ensure patients are treated and leave in a timely manner, but more help at a community level is needed.

?My shopping list to sort this; people have affordable, accessible primary care and that I have enough staff beds and to make sure everyone's got a bed that's needs admission,? he says.

Mr Parke's message to those who are unwell ? try to go to your doctor unless it's a medical emergency.


http://www.3news.co.nz/Hospitals-bu...esses/tabid/423/articleID/166999/Default.aspx