SCDHB

South Canterbury has its first confirmed case of Influenza H1N1 (swine flu) for this winter.

Acting South Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rachel Eyre, says the first confirmed case is in a South Canterbury 16-year-old  girl who visited her GP with flu symptoms. Laboratory testing confirmed swine flu.

“The case is being managed appropriately by the GP, using Tamiflu, and the teenager is recovering at home,” she says.

“A second wave of swine flu has been anticipated and the health sector has plans in place to respond appropriately. I cannot predict how many cases we will get this winter, or whether it will reach the same level as last year.”

This winter flu season there have been 19 confirmed cases of swine flu throughout New Zealand, including one admitted to an intensive care unit.

Dr Eyre says flu vaccination gives the best protection against swine flu and flu shots are still available from GPs. They are free for people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions, and the very overweight.

In most years flu shots are only available until June 30, but this date has recently been extended to make flu shots available until supplies run out.

“If you haven't yet been immunised, it’s important to get the vaccine as early as possible, as it takes a up to a fortnight for the vaccine to offer full protection. Young children also need a longer time as they require two doses a month apart,” says Dr Eyre.

Background:

The first confirmed case of swine flu in South Canterbury last winter was on June 26.

It is not known exactly how many South Canterbury people contracted swine flu last winter as testing stopped once the virus became established in the community. At the time testing stopped, there were 73 confirmed cases.

Last year 16 people were admitted to Timaru Hospital with influenza-like illness and two were confirmed as having swine flu. One of those patients was admitted to the intensive care unit and later died.

A recent scientific study estimates that 1.26 million or 29% of New Zealanders had immunity to the pandemic influenza virus by March this year.  But a large proportion of the population remains vulnerable. For more information on this study contact Arlene at SCDHB.

A million New Zealanders have already had a flu shot this winter. In South Canterbury, 12,940 (24 percent) of people had received a flu shot up to April 30 this year. More up to date vaccination figures are due out soon.

Click Here for advice on caring for someone with flu.

Click Here for information about flu vaccination.

For more information contact: Arlene Goss, Communications Advisor, South Canterbury District Health Board, Email: agoss@timhosp.co.nz