Health Alert – Human Swine Influenza 2009

Important Information You Need to Know

Interim Policy Information

Any staff member who has travelled / returned from a country affected by Human Swine Influenza or who has been in direct contact with an infected person in Australia will be excluded from the workplace for a seven day period.

Any staff member who has travelled / returned from a country affected by Human Swine Influenza, or who has been in direct contact with an infected person in Australia the prior week, who has flu-like symptoms must remove themselves from the workplace immediately and seek medical attention for testing. A medical clearance must be provided before the staff member is permitted to return to the workplace.   

The following is information regarding Human Swine Flu and the recommended infection controls measures for staff.

Symptoms

The Human Swine Influenza (H1N1 Influenza A) virus is a new virus that is infecting people and spreading person to person. Cases of Human Swine Flu have been confirmed in countries throughout the world including 303 cases to date in Australia.

The symptoms of Human Swine Flu are similar to those of seasonal influenza, including fever and anyone of the following:

  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion

Some people have also reported diarrhoea and vomiting.

Transmission

Swine Flu is thought to be spread from person to person in the same way seasonal influenza infections spread. Being in close contact with an infected person while they are talking, coughing or sneezing puts you at risk of being infected. The virus may also be spread through contact with infectious respiratory secretions on the hands of an infected person or other objects and surfaces. 

Affected Countries

The following countries have been listed by Queensland Health as having concerning levels of transmission: Mexico, USA, Canada, Panama and Japan

For more information go to www.healthemergency.gov.au.

Infectious Period

People with Swine Influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Prevention

For both seasonal and Human Swine Influenza, the best way to protect yourself and others is to:

  • stay home when you are sick
  • wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel
  • wash your hands prior to touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • when coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues which should be disposed of immediately
  • don’t share items such as cigarettes, glasses or cups, lipstick, toys or anything which could be contaminated with respiratory secretions
  • maintain at least one metre distance from people who have flu-like symptoms such as coughing or sneezing
  • consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever. Follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.
  • if attending a medical practice or hospital Emergency Department, telephone beforehand so that they can arrange for you to be seen away from other people.

This information has been reprinted from the Queensland Health website: http://access.health.qld.gov.au/hid/InfectionsandParasites/ViralInfections/swineFlu2009_fs.asp

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Care Staff should follow the usual procedures in relation to infection control measures including frequent hand washing and wearing gloves for direct contact with all bodily fluids. If you require additional supplies of gloves or other personal protective equipment, then contact the office immediately.

Help and Assistance

For further information please contact your local doctor, population health unit or ring 13HEALTH.  We encourage you to talk with health practitioners if you have any questions or concerns.