McMahon Health Clinic
WAIOURU
C/- Health Emergency Services Company
Ph (06) 387 5593
Private Bag 1702 Fax (06) 387 5565
UPDATE ON POTENTIAL INFLUENZA OUTBREAK
The current facts are:
Reports estimate that 1000 cases of H1N1 have been reported in Mexico with possibly over 100 deaths. There have also been cases in USA and Europe but no fatalities. Health authorities in NZ and worldwide are closely monitoring the situation.
There have been 10 positive results for influenza A in New Zealanders who have recently returned from Mexico. These results have been sent to Melbourne for further testing for the H1N1 swine influenza strain. The Ministry of Health in NZ has elevated the pandemic risk to 'yellow', which means voluntary quarantine. This means staying home if you or a family member has flu symptoms and screening of travellers at airports. At this stage only people who have been to the USA or Mexico in the last two weeks and have flu symptoms, or their contacts, are thought to be at risk.
From your General Practitioner Dr Mathew:
You may be experiencing concerns about the potential for a type of Influenza A (Swine Flu or H1N1) outbreak. This is a timely reminder that this is also the season when there are lots more viruses circulating throughout the general population. The best advice I can give you at this time is to remind you all of the need to continue to remain vigilant with basic hygiene precautions as listed below.
Please note: If you are experiencing any symptoms that could be related to influenza we request that you phone the clinic and speak with one of our staff members prior to coming into the clinic.
Basic flu prevention measures are very important. You ALL need to take personal responsibility for yourself, your family and your colleagues and follow these rules:
1. Wash and dry your hands
a. Wash your hands with soap under warm running water on a frequent basis and prior to eating.
b. Alcohol-based hand gel is effective if soap and water are not readily available.
2. If you cough or sneeze:
a. Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands with soap afterwards.
b. Put used tissues into a rubbish bin or plastic bag
3. Keep your hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth - flu germs spread that way.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people
5. Monitor your own health.
6. Stay at home and away from others if you are sick.
7. Keep surfaces clean at home and work - wipe down with surface spray, diluted Janola or similar solution.
Visit the Ministry of Health website for further information www.moh.govt.nz.
Please do not panic, if there is a sudden elevation of the risk to Waiouru you will be notified immediately.
Name:
Address:
Contact details:
Patient of McMahon: Yes/No
Please ask following Questions:
*Do you have a temperature and what is it?
*Do you have any body aches chills or fatigue?
Do you have a cough or sore throat?
Have you currently been overseas?
Where?
When?
Have you been in contact with someone who has recently returned from overseas travel?
What country?
When?
Have contacts been recently unwell?
*Inform Dr if Temp >38 and pt is complaining of joint and body aches
