20 July 2009

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Update

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today confirmed that three men with underlying medical conditions have died from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza in the last few days.

Dr Chant said the three deaths brings the NSW total number of deaths to be associated with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza to 13.

The three men were aged between 47and 65 years old. All had underlying conditions that increased their risk of illness.

"Unfortunately, although most people have a relatively mild disease, some people, especially those with underlying conditions will have more severe disease and we can expect further deaths as winter progresses," Dr Chant said.

Dr Chant reminded pregnant women, people with underlying chronic medical conditions, and Aboriginal people to be extra vigilant this winter, take extra precautions to limit their chances of contracting Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and to contact their GP if they develop flu-like symptoms.

"If you develop an influenza-like illness and are pregnant, obese, have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, lung, heart and kidney disease, or have moderate to severe illness, please consult your doctor immediately," Dr Chant said.

Since the pandemic began in NSW, 556 confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases have been reportedly admitted to hospital. In NSW, 43 people with confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza are reported to be currently receiving treatment in intensive care.

Dr Chant said that most people will experience only mild symptoms, can manage their symptoms by resting at home and will recover from their illness after a few days. Only a small proportion of people will develop severe symptoms.

"If you develop severe illness, such as difficulty breathing, or if your condition deteriorates, you should seek urgent medical attention," Dr Chant said.

"The best way to control the spread of influenza is to maintain simple hygiene measures, including covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and regularly washing hands," she said.

Summary of hospital-admitted Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases in NSW residents (June-July 2009)

Table last updated: 20 July 2009, 10.30am EST.

Dr Chant said 2775 people had now tested positive for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza, but this represented only a small proportion of the infections in the community as testing was no longer routinely recommended except for hospitalised patients.

A weekly report, Case Numbers and Statistics, which describes the progress of the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza 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