new Influenza A(H1N1) (“Swine Flu”)

Influenza A(H1N1) (“Swine Flu”) is a new influenza virus that has infected people in many countries including Australia. Unlike the strains of seasonal influenza that circulate every year, humans have little or no immunity to this new strain.

While most cases of new Influenza A(H1N1) to date have been mild, the World Health Organisation has warned that this situation could change rapidly as the new virus mutates over the course of one or more waves of infection.

Scientists are concerned that mutations could occur as the virus spreads in the southern hemisphere and mixes with seasonal influenza strains already circulating in the community.

The new influenza virus appears to be more contagious than seasonal influenza, meaning that the virus is more easily transmitted from one person to another than seasonal influenza.

Because almost everyone is susceptible to infection, even an influenza pandemic that causes mild symptoms in otherwise healthy people has the potential to cause great disruption due to the sheer numbers of people infected.

When will a vaccine become available?
Because Influenza A (H1N1) (“Swine Flu”) is completely new, the current seasonal influenza vaccine is not expected to offer significant protection against this new strain.

As a Health Services Permit holder, ProVax is able to order the pandemic influenza vaccine on behalf of our clients and conduct an immunisation program in a similar fashion to our seasonal influenza vaccination programs. Because the vaccine itself is supplied free of charge, the total cost of providing an onsite immunisation service will be significantly less than for the seasonal influenza vaccine.

ProVax is currently accepting bookings for onsite swine flu immunisation programs commencing Monday 9 November. Please call our office to speak to one of our sales team on 1300 662 328.

What else can I do to reduce the risk of infection?
Like seasonal influenza, the new influenza virus appears to be transmitted via droplets that are expelled when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus spreads when these droplets are inhaled, or when they are transferred to the mouth, nose or eyes after touching a contaminated surface or contaminated skin.

The following basic personal hygiene practices will help to protect you and others from influenza:

• Avoid close contact (less than one metre) with anyone showing influenza-like symptoms.
• Clean your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and put used tissues straight in the bin. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into the crook of your elbow rather than your hand.

If you feel unwell and have a high fever, cough or sore throat, stay at home. Don’t go to work, school or other place where people gather.

It is important to remember that people with the influenza virus can spread the infection before any symptoms appear.

For more information about preparing your business for pandemic influenza, visit www.panflu.com.au