Swine Flu - Update 107: 16.07.09

Media Release

16 July 2009

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 107

The number of confirmed deaths from new Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu has risen to 10, with the death of a Tairawhiti man in his 40s.

The man had serious underlying medical conditions.

Influenza in pregnancy
Internationally, there are reports of severe illness from swine flu among pregnant women.

Pregnant women are one group at greater risk of complications from the swine flu, including pneumonia, and need to be particularly watchful for signs and symptoms of the virus.

Pregnant women are thought to be more susceptible to all types of influenza because of the physiological changes that occur in pregnancy, including changes to the immune system. The baby may also be at increased risk due to the mother's response to infection, such as a high temperature.

Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health, says, "Pregnant women who have influenza symptoms should call their GP or Healthline for advice."

Their doctor may prescribe the antiviral medication Tamiflu or Relenza which are most effective if taken as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Pregnant women should not take any antiviral medication without consulting their doctor. The doctor will assess the risks and benefits of the medicine on an individual basis and may need to seek advice from an infectious diseases specialist or obstetrician.

Practical steps that pregnant women can take to reduce their chances of exposure to influenza include:
• washing and drying hands frequently
• staying away from people who are sick
• avoiding crowded places

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms:
• stay home and limit contact with others
• call your doctor or Healthline for advice. Your doctor will decide if treatment is needed. Both seasonal influenza and swine flu may make other medical problems worse.
• treat any fever right away. Paracetamol is the best treatment for fever in pregnancy.
• drink plenty of fluids.
• Your doctor will decide if you need antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu or Relenza. These medicines work best when started soon after symptoms begin (within two days), but they may also be given to very sick or high risk people (including pregnant women) even after 48 hours.
• There is little information about the effect of antiviral drugs in pregnant women or their babies, but no serious side effects have been reported.
• Don’t stop breastfeeding if you are ill. Breastfeeding protects babies because breast milk passes on antibodies from the mother to a baby. Antibodies help fight off infection. Limit formula feeds if you can. If you are too sick to breastfeed, express milk and have someone give it to your baby

Latest Numbers
The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 2107 up from 2025 yesterday. It's important to note that the actual number of cases of Novel influenza A (H1N1) swine flu will be significantly higher, as only a small proportion of people with symptoms are 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 and Ageing website:
http://www.healthemergency.gov.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. This is because there is an increasing number of cases in many countries, including New Zealand, which 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

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