Swine flu undiagnosed in city?

Rob Lockyear | 10th June 2009

SWINE flu is probably already lurking in Ipswich, a health expert has warned.

University of Queensland swine flu expert Professor Maxine Whittaker said influenza was one of the most unpredictable viruses and the H1N1 (swine flu) strain had been especially difficult to contain.

“We have had many cases in Queensland so it is most probably already in Ipswich,” Prof Whittaker said.

She said while the symptoms of H1N1 were not much worse than those of regular flu, it was spreading two to three times quicker and affecting more young people of working age.

She said because the new strain had surfaced in the Australian flu season it was also difficult to know how the virus would develop.

“The chances of it mutating into something more serious or more transmissible are higher,” she said.

Another University of Queensland swine flu expert, Associate Professor Joe McCormack said the virus was spreading quickly.

“There is no reason Ipswich will be spared,” Prof McCormack said.

“It is going to be difficult to contain once it gets going.”

He said there were doubts the seasonal influenza vaccine many people received in past months will protect them from the swine flu strain.

“But it is important to remember it is no more dangerous than having seasonal flu,” he said.

“Nobody has in Australia has died as a result of this flu yet.”

Prof McCormack said it was important for people to practice good hygiene to contain the virus but he said face masks could actually increase the chance of transmission as they caught respiratory fluids.

He said the best practices were to wash hands regularly and to practice good “cough etiquette”.

“If you have a sneeze or a cough try and contain it in a tissue.”

STOP THE SPREAD

Follow this advice from Queensland Health to help prevent transmission:

• Stay at home if you get sick.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel.

• Wash your hands prior to touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Don't share items such as cigarettes, glasses or cups.

• Keep at least one metre away from people with flu-like systems.

• Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions.

• If attending a medical practice of hospital Emergency Department, telephone beforehand so that they can arrange for you to be seen away from other people.