Influenza H1N1 (Human Swine Flu) Update

Victoria is now in the 'Protect' phase of its plan to manage the impact of this strain of influenza in our community.

This illness is classified as ‘moderate’, with the majority of cases being mild. However, five per cent of cases are severe, which means that those affected may require hospitalisation and intensive care.

The best defence against all influenza viruses – including H1N1 – remains good general hygiene.

What does this mean for schools and early childhood providers?

Schools will no longer be closed when cases are confirmed. 

Based on medical advice from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Principal Medical Advisor, it may be necessary to close parts of special development schools if a confirmed H1N1 case is identified. This is based on the complex medical conditions of students within these schools and their low immune systems. This ruling may also apply to children’s services with facilities for children under the age of one year.

Parents of children returning from travel in areas of high prevalence are also no longer being asked to keep their children home from school or child care for seven days from their arrival back in Australia.

Protect yourself. Protect others

Given we have a new strain of influenza in the community, as well as other seasonal flu strains, we all have a role to play, to protect ourselves and to protect others this flu season.

Current public advice is:

• People with mild flu-like illness should stay home.
• People who are moderately unwell with flu-like symptoms should call ahead then visit their GP.
• Only people who are seriously unwell should visit a hospital emergency department.

People with mild flu-like illness should stay home in voluntary isolation and treat their symptoms as required. Otherwise healthy people with mild flu-like symptoms will not be given antiviral therapy, and their contacts will not be placed into quarantine.

Currently, the vast majority of people experiencing mild flu-like symptoms are making a full recovery, without any medical treatment.

Everyone is also being asked to:

• Know your risk. If you are pregnant, morbidly obese or suffer from chronic illness such as diabetes or any respiratory disease, you are at higher risk of complications from influenza. If you are concerned, speak to your GP.
• Be immunised. The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to provide protection against H1N1, however, it is still recommended as protection against seasonal flu, particularly for those with chronic medical conditions and for people over 65 years old.

Your best defence against flu

Wash your hands. Wash them often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. This is the most effective thing that you can do to fight the flu over the coming months.

What else can you do?

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the tissue in a plastic-lined rubbish bin after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

The Victorian Government will continue to monitor the spread and severity of the virus through the community. Dedicated flu clinics continue to operate across the state to support our emergency departments.

Need to find out more?

• Visit www.health.vic.gov.au
• Call the Swine Influenza hotline on 180 2007
• Call Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 for expert health information (24 hours, 7 days)