‘Swine flu’ set for a winter comeback
By Jamie Melbourne-Hayward
Non-seasonal Influenza A ‘Swine flu’ has finally hit the capital, and the near 1500 cases of ‘Swine flu’ in Australia has bolstered local concerns that the virus could catch on during New Zealand’s flu season.
Medical Officer for Regional Public Health Doctor Margot McLean says the worst case scenario is ‘Swine flu’ could combine with a regional strand of influenza or with a type of avian flu.
“Were not at all out of the woods with this, it’s a relative certainty that cases will arrive here from Australia,” Dr McLean said last week.
She says it is possible Australia has more ‘Swine flu’ due to larger amounts of international travel.
“We need to be very careful with travellers’ arriving from Australia, because there is a likelihood that they may have been in contact with the virus,” said Dr McLean.
Influenza claims an estimated four hundred lives in New Zealand, and this year’s ‘flu season’ has just begun. ‘Swine flu’ is a mongrel virus born from pigs, birds and humans.
“The worst case scenario is that ‘Swine flu’, which is already a new and unstable virus, has the potential to be very nasty if it combines with an avian flu or influenza flu.
“The influenza season has not kicked in yet, and Tamiflu does not cover all types of influenza as some strands have become resistant – hospitals do hold cures for these strands through.
“It’s better to be on the safe side with this because it’s likely it will come back to New Zealand,” said Dr McLean.
A returning virus has the potential to be more virulent and deadly. “Our [flu] season burden will be amplified, which is already very high at hospitals.”
Dr McLean said the public should prepare themselves by taking preventative measures such as immunization, and stocking up on water and supplies.
“If you are feeling ill stay away from public areas, school, work places, shopping malls, and stay isolated until you have recovered.
“Ensure hygiene is good, wash your hands, especially in public places, and cough into tissues and dispose of them,” she said.
Vaccinations for influenza are free for at risk people; those over 65 or with medical conditions. “Public health checks are high at international airports, and all travellers who show signs of flu within seven days after travelling are warned to report them straight away.”
She says national supply of Tamiflu is sufficient to cover a large outbreak of the virus. If you have any concerns call your doctor or ring the Ministry of Health on 0800 611 116.
