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H1N1 Influenza

Image of the H1N1 influenza virus

H1N1 Influenza virus is a strain of influenza, seen in outbreaks around the world and in Australia.

A new vaccine to protect people from H1N1 Influenza or Swine Flu called Panvax® H1N1 is now available for everyone aged six months and over.

In this section:

Flu symptoms?

If you think you have influenza, please call your General Practitioner or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24 hours).

About H1N1 Influenza

Although nearly all cases of illness have been relatively mild, health authorities are concerned about this virus for a number of reasons:

  • The virus appears to be much more contagious than seasonal influenza;
  • There is no apparent immunity to the virus within the population;
  • While cases have been confirmed in all age groups, the majority of confirmed cases have been people under the age of 30 and people with no known underlying conditions.

Adults are potentially contagious for about 24 hours before and for up to 7 days after they become unwell. Children may be contagious for up to 10 days.

H1N1 Influenza, like other forms of influenza, is spread mainly by coughing or sneezing, so personal hygiene is important in helping to stop the spread of the infection. This includes covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands regularly with soap.

H1N1 Vaccine now available (18 January 2010)

H1N1 influenza remains a threat and all Australians are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect both themselves and those who are vulnerable in the community.

There is clear evidence of serious or fatal health complications for some people who catch this flu. As with all flu viruses, H1N1 influenza spreads easily from person to person. By getting vaccinated you not only protect yourself but can help stop this flu spreading.

In the northern hemisphere pandemic influenza arrived in autumn, earlier than seasonal influenza and it has caused thousands of hospitalisations as well as some deaths.

All people can receive the free vaccine but some people are at higher risk of suffering serious complications from H1N1 Influenza. Vaccination is strongly recommended for:

  • Pregnant women

People with underlying chronic conditions, including:

- heart disease

- asthma and other lung diseases

- cancer

- diabetes

- kidney disease

- neurological disease

- other chronic conditions (talk to your GP)

  • People who are severely obese
  • Indigenous Australians
  • Children attending special schools

To prevent the spread of this virus to people at higher risk of complications it is recommended that people in the following groups be vaccinated:

  • Parents and guardians of infants up to six months old
  • Health care workers and
  • Community care workers

To protect yourself against H1N1 influenza, book an appointment now with your GP or call the Community Health Intake Line during business hours on (02) 6207 9977.

Links

See also these sites for additional information and resources:

Frequently asked questions

Fact sheets

See also these fact sheets produced by ACT Health's Health Protection Service:

Help stop the spread of flu

Now is a very appropriate time for us to remind people of the importance of personal hygiene in helping to stop the spread of infections such as influenza:


Help Stop the Spread of Flu campaign image
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • Throw dirty tissues in the bin.
  • Wash your hands with soap regularly.
  • If you feel unwell and think you have the 'flu, don't go to work, or send the children to school or child care.
  • While it is not expected that the influenza vaccine will provide protection against this new strain of flu, it provides effective immunisation against routine, seasonal influenza.
  • Above all, if you are unwell see your doctor.

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