14 July 2009

H1N1 Influenza 09 Update

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today confirmed that a 55-year-old man with underlying medical conditions who died in St George Hospital on Saturday tested positive to H1N1 influenza 09.

Dr Chant said the man’s death is the fifth in NSW to be associated with H1N1 influenza 09.

Since the epidemic began in NSW, 382 confirmed H1N1 influenza 09 cases have been reportedly admitted to hospital. This morning 32 people with confirmed H1N1 were reported to be receiving intensive care.

“For the majority of people influenza is a mild illness which can be managed at home. However, seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza 09 can occasionally result in severe disease, even in people who have been previously well,” Dr Chant said.

“It is not necessary for people with symptoms of influenza to be tested for H1N1 influenza 09. Treatment can be provided based on the person’s symptoms.

“Pregnant women, people who are very overweight, and people with underlying health conditions like diabetes, lung, heart and kidney disease to consult their doctor if they develop an influenza-like illness.

“Others who develop moderate to severe symptoms should see their GP, or where necessary, their local flu clinic or emergency department,” Dr Chant said.

Summary of hospital-admitted H1N1 Influenza 09 cases in NSW residents (June-July 2009)

Table last updated: 14 July 2009, 10.30am EST.

Dr Chant said 2,195 people have now been tested positive for H1N1 influenza 09, but this represents only a small proportion of the infections in the community as testing is no longer routinely recommended except for hospitalised patients.

A weekly report, Case Numbers and Statistics, which describes the progress of the H1N1 influenza 09 epidemic in NSW is available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/swine_flu.asp

More information is available from the NSW Health website and the Flu hotline on 180 2007.

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