Swine has reached WA

Yes...one case confirmed today.

I received an updated from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today too.

Here, it may clear up some questions about Swine flu in Australia.

" The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that as of 23 May 2009, 43 countries had officially reported 12,022 cases of swine influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 86 deaths.

As of noon on Monday 25 May 2009, there were 18 confirmed cases and 40 suspected cases in Australia.

Australia has raised its pandemic response phase from DELAY to CONTAIN, based on the evidence that the infection has spread in Australia.

The Federal Department of Health and Ageing advises that it is likely the development of a pandemic will move through a number of different phases as the virus becomes more adept at infecting humans, and spreads around the globe.

WHO has a set of pandemic phases (the Swine Influenza phase is currently Phase 5 on the six-phase scale) and while Australia uses the same numbering system as WHO to describe each phase, the Australian pandemic phases are designed to describe the situation in Australia and to guide Australia's response.

Thus, the Australian and the WHO phase may not always be the same.
Having an Australian system means that actions can be taken in Australia before a change of phase is declared by the WHO.
The Australian phases are:

ALERT - A novel virus with pandemic potential causes severe disease in humans who have had contact with infected animals.There is no effective transmission between humans.Novel virus has not arrived in Australia.

DELAY - Novel virus has not arrived in Australia.OS4 Small cluster of cases in one country overseas.OS5 Large cluster(s) of cases in only one or two countries overseas.OS6 Large cluster(s) of cases in more than two countries overseas.

CONTAIN - Pandemic virus has arrived in Australia causing small number of cases and/or small number of clusters.

1. SUSTAIN - 2. Pandemic virus is established in Australia and spreading in the community.
CONTROL - Customised pandemic vaccine widely available and is beginning to bring the pandemic under control.
RECOVER - Pandemic controlled in Australia but further waves may occur if the virus drifts and/or is re-imported into Australia.

Despite the heightened status, the effects of swine influenza on those who are infected do not appear to be as severe as was initially feared. The vast majority of those confirmed to have swine influenza are treated at home and only a small percentage require hospitalisation. Evidence of human-to-human transmission usually seems to result in a milder form of flu symptoms than other strains of influenza.

SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of swine influenza are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include: ·
fever
cough
sore throat
body aches
headache
chills
tiredness/fatigue

POTENTIAL RISKS AND SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS OF FLU
bacterial pneumonia
dehydration
worsening of chronic medical conditions
ear infections
sinus problems

PROTECTION AGAINST INFECTION
No vaccine available against swine influenza

Antiviral treatments may be helpful, however consumers should be advised to consult their medical practitioner who is the prescribing authority.

In some cases, medical practitioners may prescribe antiviral treatments as a precautionary measure to people travelling overseas.
The spread of Swine Flu is thought to be happening the way that seasonal flu spreads – mainly person-to-person through coughing, sneezing or coming into contact with an infected person. At present the mortality rate at 2 per cent is similar to that of seasonal influenza.

According to the World Health Organisation, swine influenza “has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The influenza A(H1N1) virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.”

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS ILL WITH FLU
Designate one person as the care giver.
Keep everyone’s personal items separate.
All household members should avoid sharing pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils unless cleaned between uses.
Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace.
Wash everyone’s dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap.
Wash everyone’s clothes in a standard washing machine as you normally would.
Use detergent and very hot water and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids."

Hope that helps!