3 August 2009

Winter flu season and the Koori community

South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health is providing additional advertising on Koori radio for the Aboriginal community, to assist with public health messages about Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza.

Further information is also available on the NSW Health website: http://www.emergency.health.nsw.gov.au/swineflu/aboriginal_people/index.asp

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza (formerly called human swine influenza) and other seasonal influenza viruses are expected to continue to spread in NSW this winter.

Fortunately, most people with the flu will not require hospitalisation.

However, seasonal flu and pandemic (H1N1) Influenza 2009 can cause more severe disease, especially in people who have underlying medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma or pregnancy.

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, tiredness, muscle aches and sometimes, vomiting and diarrhoea.

If you develop flu symptoms see your doctor or Aboriginal Medical Service, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. Early treatment may help prevent severe disease in those most at risk.

Acting Director of South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health’s Public Health Unit, Dr Philippa Binns said the best way to control the spread of influenza is to maintain simple hygiene measures, including covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and regularly washing hands.

“If you do get sick, stay home from work, school and child care and limit contact with others, particularly babies, pregnant women and the elderly, to avoid infecting them.

“It is also important not to visit hospitals if you are sick unless requiring treatment for your own illness.

“We encourage people to protect themselves from the usual seasonal influenza by getting the vaccine from their GP,” Dr Binns said.

NSW Health has a range of information and resources available on its website. This is quickly accessible by going to www.health.nsw.gov.au and clicking on the ‘swine flu information’ button.

Further information is available from the swine flu hotline on 180 2007.


Media enquiries: Maxine Brennan, 9113 2601, 0422 003 764