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Health warnings remain following deaths
Media information For immediate release
Date: 6 July 2009
Health warnings remain following deaths
Despite three swine flu-related deaths in the past week, health messages remain the same, says Waikato District Health Board medical officer of health Dell Hood.
Waikato DHB health officials met this morning to debrief after the weekend's news of the three recent deaths, including that of 19-year-old Hamilton man Zachary Wilson.
"We know there is a high incidence of influenza out there, but public health services are coping," said Dr Hood.
"And as tragic as these deaths have been - all of them - so far we are not seeing much that's different than we would see in any other influenza season.
"Influenza is a serious illness. It is always a serious illness and it always causes some deaths.
"We need to be sensible about it, and realise sufferers will be ill for a few days - in fact up to 10 days for most fit, healthy people before they'll really be right - that's a pretty significant illness."
Most people will be able to look after themselves at home if they develop influenza.
"However, if you have an underlying medical condition or your symptoms worsen, it is important you ring your GP or Healthline for advice," said Dr Hood.
"This includes those people who have underlying medical conditions, such as respiratory conditions, or those whose influenza illness is getting worse."
"I think the recent deaths have highlighted the fact that influenza causes deaths.
"This new influenza strain is causing more serious illness in those with underlying medical conditions, and also in some otherwise healthy people."
Maree Munro from Pinnacle Group Ltd. said general practices were currently managing a normal workload for influenza season.
"GPs have all their plans and systems in place to manage H1N1. Those plans have been activated, and if people have flu-like symptoms, they should ring their practice or Healthline first for further advice," said Mrs Munro.
She said special influenza centres, or community based assessment centres, had not been opened, and would not be until primary care indicated they are needed to cope with demand.
"Practices from all the Waikato primary health organisations are reporting to us twice-weekly on how they are managing, and at the moment they have indicated their workload is right where we would expect it to be at this time of year."
Dr Hood said Waikato DHB would be working hard to ensure as many people as possible were aware of the extension to seasonal influenza vaccinations, now offered until 30 September.
"The extension is not in response to H1N1," said Dr Hood.
"Judging by the swabs that have been taken, about 80 per cent of influenza illnesses in our community are in fact seasonal strains, which would be prevented by seasonal vaccinations.
"The most important thing for people to know is that if they are unsure about their illness, they should ring their GP or Healthline - that is what they are there for."
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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