05 July 2009

H1N1 Influenza 09 Update

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today confirmed that a 57 year old man with significant underlying medical conditions including diabetes died on Friday at Westmead Hospital with H1N1 Influenza 09. 

Dr Chant said the man was diagnosed with H1N1 Influenza 09 on Friday, 3 July.

"Because of underlying medical conditions, the man was at greater risk of severe illness from H1N1 Influenza 09," she said.

There are currently eight people in intensive care (six males and two females.) Of these eight, five have underlying risk factors including asthma, obesity, chronic lung disease and diabetes, the remaining three have no clear risk factors. They range in age from 18 to 49 years old.

Dr Chant said that pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions like diabetes, respiratory, heart and renal disease should consult their doctor if they develop an influenza like illness.
"It is important that all members of the community, not just vulnerable groups, remain vigilant as community transmission of H1N1 Influenza 09 continues.

"Both seasonal flu and H1N1 Influenza 09 can occasionally result in severe disease in people who have been previously well.

"For the majority of people influenza is a mild illness which can be managed at home. However, it is important that anyone with flu-like symptoms seek immediate medical assistance if they have moderate to severe disease or if their condition deteriorates," Dr Chant said.

In total, 160 patients with confirmed H1N1 have been hospitalised since the pandemic began in NSW. 1375 people have tested positive for H1N1, but this is only a proportion of infections in the community, as testing is no longer routinely recommended for mild or moderately unwell patients. 

Summary of confirmed influenza cases in NSW

Table last updated: 5 July 2009, 10.30am EST. National figures as published at 5 July 2009, 12am EST, available at: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au

More information is available by clicking on the 'Human Swine Flu' Information button at the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au and the Flu hotline on 180 2007.

Further information is available from the Swine Flu hotline on 180 2007 or at the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/swine_flu.asp

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au