Flu virus continues to be a threat to Maori

Auckland Maori Pandemic Planning Group
Media release

7 May 2009

Flu virus continues to be a threat to Maori

The Auckland Maori Pandemic Planning Group[1] believes that Maori communities are still at risk of contracting Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu).

“To date all reported cases have recently returned from travelling in affected areas, or been in close contact with a case. There are also reassuring signs that the virus is less severe than we originally anticipated,” spokesperson Naida Glavish said today.

“We cannot make an accurate estimate of severity at this stage. Past experience with pandemics tells us however that a second wave could be worse.”

Naida Glavish believes that Maori are especially vulnerable.

“Our health profile is poorer than other groups, and we are communal in the way we live. This means that in the event of a pandemic we are more like to be seriously affected.

“During the last pandemic in 1918 the Maori death rate was seven times higher than the general population.

“I am concerned that at the moment our people see this issue as far removed from them. We need to learn from our history, and continue to take precautions to avoid infection.

‘We must continue to be vigilant and prepared for a pandemic outbreak which experts tell is inevitable.”

ENDS

Fact Sheet
Maori and Influenza A (H1N1)

What happens during an influenza pandemic
• Large surge in numbers of people requiring medical treatment
• High rates of worker absenteeism and interruption of essential services
• Rapid peak in illness in the community because communities will be fully susceptible to a pandemic virus

Influenza A(N1H1)
• Early symptoms are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea
• Infectious period is from 1 day before until 7 days after symptom onset
• Incubation period is usually within 72 hours of exposure but can be up to 7 days
• Treatment is with Tamiflu
• Isolation/quarantine until no longer infectious

Preparing whanau
• Prepare whanau plan
o Have an emergency supplies kit
o List of who will help with supplies if you or your whanau are sick
o Have prescription medicines available
o Contact details (Doctor etc)

Protecting yourselves and whanau
• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms
o Call your doctor for advice
o Stay at home
o Cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and throw it into the bin
o Wash your hands thoroughly after coughing or sneezing
o Keep at least a metre away from others
• Hui and tangihanga
o Ask people who are sick to stay at home, especially if they have been quarantined
o Have signs asking people to sneeze into a tissue and wash hands thoroughly
• Hongi and kissing
o Avoid if you are sick with the flu or are quarantined

[1] The group includes Hapai Te Hauora Tapui, Te Whanau o Waipareira and iwi social service providers

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