Since Swine Flu was first confirmed in Australia, DHF has been following the advice of its medical experts and the National Action Plan for the Human Influenza Pandemic.
Northern Territory Chief Health Officer, Dr Barbara Paterson, said the number of confirmed Swine Flu cases in the Territory has passed 100, with the majority of new cases being in remote regions.
"Most of our confirmed cases are mild but the potential for people in remote regions to suffer more severe health effects is high because of other, underlying health concerns," Dr Paterson said.
"Our strategies recognise that because Aboriginal people are likely to be more susceptible to the disease their care should be prioritised and that's where we're focusing our resources.
"We are liaising with GPs and health centres in the Territory to ensure that Tamiflu anti-viral medication is prescribed to the residents of remote Aboriginal communities and town camps whenever clinically appropriate.
"All remote clinics are stocked with Tamiflu and more supplies can be quickly provided. The Commonwealth Government has agreed to release additional supplies to the Territory from the national stockpile if required."
Dr Paterson said the highest priority is to treat those in high risk groups who present in the early stages of the illness.
"It is essential to protect those who are most vulnerable, including people with pulmonary and cardiac diseases, diabetes, and pregnant women, among others."
Dr Paterson emphasised that Tamiflu is not the sole strategy for limiting the spread of this disease or protecting the vulnerable.
"It is also important for people to stay at home and keep away from others when they are unwell. People with underlying medical conditions are urged to seek early medical attention if they develop flu symptoms. They are strongly advised to keep away from group settings such as sporting or community events."
DHF established a special working group several weeks ago to address swine flu in remote Aboriginal communities and in town camps. The working group includes staff from DHF Remote Health and the NT Centre for Disease Control (CDC), as well as from the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory and other non-government organisations.
The CDC has been providing education and coordination support for all urban and remote community health centres. Aboriginal Health Workers and other key persons in Aboriginal communities continue to inform and educate community members about swine flu precautions and hygiene.
An extensive radio advertising campaign is being rolled out, with messages translated into the Aboriginal languages of Warlpiri, Arrernte, Luritja, Djambarrpuyngu, Kriol, and Arindilyakna. Audiences are in remote communities such as Wadeye, Oenpelli and Yuendumu, as well as major centres like Darwin, Katherine, Gove and Alice Springs.
Key messages include recognizing symptoms of swine flu, preventative advice, what to do if you're ill, and communicating the message to others.
Overnight stay elective surgery in Alice Springs has been temporarily cancelled as a result of swine flu preparedness. Day elective surgery will continue and the small number of people affected by the cancellation have been contacted.
"Despite all these strategies, the increase in H1N1 cases is inevitable, both in the NT and across Australia, and the Department has been aware of this for some time," Dr Paterson added.
"This strain of influenza is a significant challenge for public health authorities, and our dedicated teams of health workers have been doing a fantastic job."
DHF continues to encourage all Territorians to receive a vaccination against the 2009 seasonal influenza. Seasonal flu strains are circulating in the community so it is particularly important that people in vulnerable groups, including Aboriginal people, are vaccinated.
