Protecting yourself and others
For some people, influenza can be a very serious illness. The basic measures to protect yourself and others remain the same, but are more important as we see more influenza circulating in the community:
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know the symptoms of influenza, which can include a high fever, headache, cough, sore throat, tiredness and generally aching all over
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phone for medical advice quickly (call your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116) if you have influenza-like symptoms, including consideration of whether you need antiviral medicine treatment. Antiviral medication may lessen the severity and length of your illness, but is best started within the first 48 hours. Antiviral medication is currently available free of charge for people who are prescribed it for influenza treatment.
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seeking early medical advice is especially important for women who are pregnant, severely overweight people and those with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, heart and lung disease and other conditions including autoimmune diseases
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wash and dry hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and stay home if you are sick.
If you haven't yet been immunised, it's important to book in to get immunised now, as it takes up to a fortnight for the vaccine to offer its full level of protection. Young children also need a longer time as they require two doses a month apart to be assured of best protection. Immunisation is especially recommended for those at greatest risk of complications from H1N1 influenza, including women who are pregnant, very young children, severely overweight people and those with underlying medical conditions.
To allow us flexibility over the weeks ahead, the Ministry of Health has reached an agreement with Sanofi, who will supply up to 35,000 doses of Intanza for the subsidised influenza immunisation programme. Intanza provides protection against the same strains of influenza as Vaxigrip (the brand which is currently in use) including pandemic influenza H1N1 (swine flu). Intanza is only approved for use in individuals aged 18 to 59 – therefore only individuals with chronic conditions, obese individuals or pregnant women in this age range will be subsidised for Intanza.
Intanza, perhaps best known for its very small needle, is new on the scene this year, and until now has only been available on the private market. Please be aware that, as per our planning, at some stage in the next few weeks warehouse supplies of Vaxigrip will be depleted, making Intanza the only seasonal flu vaccine available for subsidised patients. .
More information can be found on the Ministry of Health's Influenza web pages.
Influenza surveillance
Population Health has had several queries regarding the investigation and management of influenza this season. As H1N1 influenza is no longer a notifiable disease, the investigation and management should revert back to seasonal influenza. It is recommended that all those who can should have the influenza vaccine.
Sentinel practices continue to be involved in the identification and surveillance of influenza strains. Testing for influenza via GPs should be used to aid clinical decisions. Anti-virals are available to all on prescription where there is an indication of clinical illness and it is within 72 hours of onset of symptoms (see next).
There should be a greater suspicion of influenza and its complications for high risks groups including pregnant women, those with chronic diseases, obese etc.
National reserve antivirals in 2011 - update from the Emergency Management Team (source GP fax- May 2011)
The provision of national reserve antivirals (Tamiflu and Relenza) for use in treating pandemic influenza (A) H1N1 2009 ended on December 31 2010. There are currently no plans to make national reserve antivirals available for the 2011 winter influenza season.
This policy will be continuously reviewed over the coming months. The only exception is Canterbury District Health Board where national reserve antivirals have been made available as part of efforts to assist Canterbury's post-earthquake recovery. In all other areas, GPs may prescribe antivirals, but patients will have to pay the full price of the unsubsidised medicine.
Pharmacists may sell Tamiflu (oseltamivir) over the counter to people with symptoms of influenza-like illnesses who meet appropriate criteria.
Health advice and information
Medical officers of health still ask that people be aware of the dangers of seasonal influenza and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette, social distancing when unwell and good hand hygiene.
Precautions remain: anyone with an influenza-like illness, who developed symptoms within seven days of travel to a country of concern, should call their general practitioner or the medical officers of health immediately.
On-call health protection officer (021 999 521), on-call medical officer of health (021 359 650), or Healthline 0800 611 116.
Preparedness for your organisation
Please ensure you have a pandemic plan in place in your business/organisations. If you do have an existing plan, now is the time to review and discuss it with staff and stakeholders.
For more information on planning for a pandemic go to www.moh.govt.nz/pandemicinfluenza
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