Swine flu

Should we be worried?

Tens of thousands of people across the globe have been infected with swine flu but with most people getting no more than a few sniffles what is all the fuss about?

Web extra: Past pandemics and photo gallery

Business and tourism operators feel there has been an overreaction while public health officials and virus experts believe they had no other choice than to handle the situation the way they did.

But what if the disease had been worse? Does this outbreak actually expose flaws in our preparedness? Would our hospitals cope if the illness was worse? Are our frontline medics safe?

Join us on Insight with Chief Health Officers, virus experts, emergency doctors and swine flu patients as we discuss what did happen, what could have happened and what it means for our safety.

What to do if you think you have swine flu:

Seek medical care
The Federal Department of Health and Ageing recommends individuals already suffering from flu symptoms to seek medical advice from their GP or local hospital if they are having difficulty breathing, are concerned about their symptoms or their condition worsens.

Parents are carers should seek medical care if children have fast or strained breathing, ongoing fever or convulsions.

Other indicators to look out for include chest pain, confusion, inability to keep down liquids, vomiting, dehydration and dizziness.

Call the national hotline
The National Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 hotline: 180 2007

Avoid close contact with others
If you are concerned that you are suffering from swine flu it is recommended that personal items such as towels, bedding, food and drink items are not shared.  The Federal Government also suggests maintaining a one metre minimum distance from others, staying away from public gatherings and public transport and wearing a surgical mask wherever possible.

Further resources
Australian Federal Government: Emergency Pandemic website
World Health Organisation: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009

Complete list of State government response sites