Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu- Update 103

Media Release

12 July 2009

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu- Update 103

Advice for the public on when to contact a health provider

Most people with influenza will begin to feel better after a few days. Sometimes complications, such as asthma, pneumonia or heart problems arise and the ill person may need to have a health assessment. These complications can develop with seasonal influenza as well as the new pandemic influenza.

Here are some signs to look for:

The ill person

- starts to feel better, then gets worse
- has a temperature of 38°C or greater
- has chills or severe shaking
- has difficulty breathing or chest pain
- has purple or blue discolouration of the lips
- is less responsive than normal, is unusually quiet, or becomes confused
- is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
- has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, not urinating, and in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
- has seizures or convulsions

If any of these things occur, call a doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice.

Latest Numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 swine flu stood at 1555 on Friday 10 July, and the number of confirmed deaths in New Zealand from Novel Influenza A (H1N1) as reported to the Ministry of Health, remains at seven.

These figures will not be updated until Monday afternoon, as the system for gathering and collating this information is undergoing scheduled maintenance.

The cumulative total of confirmed cases by region is no longer being reported because the actual number of cases of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 will be significantly higher, as only a small proportion of people with symptoms are now being tested. This is because for most people it's a mild illness and they will recover readily at home without needing medical treatment.

Australian situation

For the number of confirmed cases in Australia, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health & Ageing website:
http://www.healthemergencygov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/updates-12july09.htm

International Update from the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization is no longer issuing tables showing the numbers of confirmed cases for all countries, because an increasing number of cases in many countries, including New Zealand, is making it extremely difficult to confirm laboratory testing in an accurate and timely manner. For more information about this reporting change go to the WHO website: http://www.who.int/en/ .

ENDS

Information in this update can be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health.

For health information and advice, visit www.moh.govt.nz or call Healthline 0800 611 116

For latest updates on novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 - Swine Flu, visit www.moh.govt.nz

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