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Pandemic (H1N1)2009 influenza (human swine flu) continues to spread from person to person, with over 200 countries affected worldwide.
We continue to monitor influenza-like illness presentations to Northern Territory (NT) Emergency Departments and GP practices and laboratory-confirmed swine flu cases. While the numbers are down significantly from the peak of the pandemic in July/August 2009, the NT is still seeing sporadic cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. The NT focus for early 2010 is to continue to vaccinate people in 'at risk' groups against swine flu while also protecting members of the general public. This is in preparedness for the oncoming influenza season, where the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 strain is anticipated to be the predominant strain, as is the case in the Northern Hemisphere. The free vaccine is available for children aged six months and older and for adults. So far we have seen an excellent response to the NT vaccination program. Vaccination clinics continue to run in the urban centres and the vaccine is also available at Remote Community Health Centres, Aboriginal Medical Services and most General Practices. Australia, including the NT, remains in the PROTECT phase of the national pandemic management plan for swine flu. This recognises that the disease appears to be mild in most cases, severe in some cases and moderate overall. The focus of the PROTECT phase is early treatment of people who are more vulnerable to severe health outcomes and who may contract H1N1 Influenza. These people include pregnant women, Aboriginal people and people with respiratory disease (such as asthma), heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, morbid obesity and conditions affecting the immune system. Children under five years of age are also a focus for vaccination as they are at higher risk. If you have any of these conditions and develop flu-like symptoms, seek early medical advice and treatment. Vaccination is the best protection against poor health outcomes, so you are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Front line health care workers and parents and carers of children less than six months of age are also strongly encouraged to receive the swine flu vaccine. Actions by individuals to reduce the spread of H1N1 Influenza remain important and the key messages are: - stay at home and keep away from others when you are unwell
- people with underlying medical conditions are urged to seek early medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms. They are strongly advised to keep away from group settings such as sporting or community events
- practice good personal hygiene: wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. Step away from others who cough or sneeze
- if you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with tissues and throw the tissues away.
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