Pandemic Influenza A Matter of Time A Community Education Package Package developed by: Mary Smith Grampians Region Infection Control Consultant Department of Human Services
What is Seasonal Influenza? The influenza virus circulates every year usually in winter months (Aus) The influenza virus mainly attacks the nose, throat and lungs Mild to severe illness depending on: Type of virus Age of affected person General health of affected person
How is influenza spread? Influenza is very contagious and is spread by: Breathing in virus when around people who have the flu and have been coughing, sneezing or talking Touching those who are ill (shaking hands, kissing) or their articles soiled by infected nasal or throat discharges Contact with surfaces or objects on which virus may be present telephone, keyboard, door knobs etc.
Especially easy to spread in crowds: Infectious virus can be transferred to hands from nonporous surfaces for at least 2 8 hours Work, school, church.. Virus transfer from porous materials to the hands is much less efficient up to 15 minutes http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/influenzaguidance.html
How long does it take to get sick? Incubation period varies from 1-7 days It can take from 1 7 days from when you are exposed to flu virus until you become ill Most symptoms resolve within 2 7 days but can be longer
How long will I be infectious? The infectious period is usually from onset of illness until 7 days after fever has resolved (12 years or over) Children less than 12 years can spread the virus for up to 21 days after onset of illness A small proportion of people may spread the virus from just before signs of illness
What are the symptoms of influenza? Runny nose Sore throat Cough Fever Shivers Headache Muscle aches back and legs Tiredness and weakness Diarrhoea & vomiting in children and the elderly Not to be mistaken with the common cold influenza is usually much more severe
Influenza versus The Common Cold Influenza Common Cold Onset Abrupt Less abrupt Symptoms Fever 38-40 0 C, chills, headache, muscle aches, cough, sore throat Sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion Duration Approx. 7 days very unwell 3-7 days - usually 1-2 days Fatalities Well recognised Not reported
How serious is influenza? Those people at greater risk include: The very young The elderly Pregnant women People with long term illness People with decreased immunity
How is influenza diagnosed A sample of nose or throat mucous is collected using a swab Sample sent off by doctor for testing
What treatment is effective? Have someone around to care for a person who has influenza Ensure adequate fluids and bed rest Take medications to help with fever and pain, such as aspirin (not in children) and paracetamol. Antiviral treatment give within 24 hours of onset of illness Tamiflu or Relenza (prescribed by doctor)
How can you protect against seasonal flu? 1. Yearly vaccination 2. Attention to hygiene 3. Do not share eating utensils or drinks 4. Don t visit people who have the flu unless absolutely necessary 5. Avoid large crowds or gatherings in the flu season
What is an influenza pandemic? An influenza (flu) pandemic is a flu outbreak that occurs worldwide when: 1. A new strain of flu virus emerges, to which no-one is immune 2. The virus causes disease in humans 3. The virus is easily spread between humans. A new influenza strain can spread rapidly across the globe with high numbers of cases and deaths It is over 35 years since the last flu pandemic (history shows they occur every 10 50 years)
What is Avian Influenza (AI)? Many types of avian influenza viruses Usually only infect birds Strain causing concern H5N1 Very rarely, AI can infect both birds and humans Close contact with infected birds Causes severe flu-like symptoms in humans May result in death
Why are authorities worried? The World Health Organisation is worried that an avian influenza virus and a human influenza virus might mix and result in a new strain of influenza virus that can be easily passed from person to person This might trigger an influenza pandemic where the virus spreads rapidly around the world, infecting many people
What Might Happen? Some workplaces and schools might close Normal health and other services may not be available for several weeks You might need to care for yourself and others at home There will be public announcements on TV, radio and other media about the pandemic
Can pandemic flu kill people? Yes, however, there are treatments available Victoria has strategies available to reduce the spread and impact of P. Influenza Availability of antibiotics should reduce the number of deaths from associated bacterial pneumonia
What if there is a flu pandemic WHAT CAN I DO?
How can I protect myself and others from pandemic flu? Short of a vaccine, there are many simple ways people can substantially reduce their risk of being infected by or spreading the influenza virus
Good hygiene always important Regardless of whether an influenza pandemic is occurring Get into good habits now Or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Maintain general good health Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Very Important - If you are sick: Stay home from work, school or shopping when you are sick Encourage family, friends and colleagues to do so too Do not get too close to uninfected relatives and friends
Don t Kiss Me (or anyone else) If You Have A Cold, Flu, or Fever! Avoid close contact with others No kissing No hugging No sharing of food No sharing of drinks Greater than one metre
Have an annual seasonal flu shot Not a vaccine against pandemic flu but will help protect against seasonal influenza
To prevent hand transfer of virus from common touch surfaces - disinfect surfaces in your home and at work
Avoid crowded public areas
If not possible wear a mask Whenever possible, rather than relying on the use of facemasks, close contact and crowded conditions should be avoided during an influenza pandemic
Personal Protective Equipment Masks worn by sick people can help stop the spread of germs. You can buy masks from a pharmacy. If there is a pandemic, people will be told how and when to use their masks. A mask can be worn only for a short time, and needs changing when wet from sneezing and coughing.
Quarantine what does this mean? Enforced isolation of people that may have been exposed to a contagious or infectious disease Pandemic influenza is a quantinable disease March 2004
What if you may have been exposed to pandemic influenza? You are at risk of getting the flu You may be isolated/quarantined 7 days You need to monitor your health closely Measure your temperature at least daily Watch for symptoms of flu Record temperature and symptoms (if any) daily
What if you develop symptoms? If you develop a fever above 38 o C or higher OR Develop any symptoms of influenza Seek medical attention soon phone ahead to doctor or local hospital Contact DHS on 1300 651 160 Practice strict hygiene and keep away from other people
Be prepared to stay home for several days/weeks.. Individuals may be asked to stay at home for 7-10 days after contact with an infected person If you have just returned from a pandemic influenza affected area you may be asked to stay home for 7 days Work/school may be closed for a prolonged period
Plan ahead Have an emergency supply of food and essentials
Emergency Kit: First aid kit Extra supplies of paracetamol or ibuprofen - for aches, pains and fever Tissues and plastic bags for used tissues Torches, spare batteries Radio, spare batteries Can opener Gas BBQ don t forget the gas bottle
Emergency food and water Enough for at least 7 days Ready to eat canned and dried food Dried and long life milk Snack food Supplies for babies and small children 3 litres of water per person per day Toilet rolls Soap
Keeping Busy at Home Think about things to do if you and your family have to stay home for a couple of weeks (e.g., books, games and videos)
DON T PANIC BUT BE PREPARED
Always Remember: And
Please note: The containment strategies in this presentation are a guide only and may change depending on State/Commonwealth discussions and best available evidence at the time of an influenza pandemic It will be important to listen for public announcements on TV, radio and other media about the pandemic
References: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/influ enzaguidance.html http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/regulations/vi c_influenza DISCLAIMER: Care has been taken to confirm the accuracy of the information presented in this guide, however, the authors, editors and publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions or for any consequences from application of the information in the guide and make no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the contents of the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure the information provided is in accordance with current recommendations and practice. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations and the flow of other information, the information is provided on the basis that all persons undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.