Flu's deep impact
MARK WORLEY
May 31, 2009 02:00am
UP to 6000 Tasmanians may be hospitalised with swine flu in the next few months, straining medical resources.
Tasmania's first case of swine flu was confirmed on Friday night when a 62-year-old North-West woman was found to be suffering from the H1N1 virus. She is recovering well at home.
SWINE FLU HOTLINE: 1800 358 362 (1800 FLU DOC)
Acting Public Health director Chrissie Pickin yesterday confirmed that if a full outbreak of the virus took hold, the number of Tasmanians directly affected could climb to 100,000.
With a hospitalisation rate of between 2 per cent and 6 per cent, thousands could end up filling beds in major hospitals. "That is certainly a possibility and a risk," Dr Pickin said.
"It is not 6000 people all at once, which is the good thing.
"What tends to happen if the modelling is correct, is that we won't see much of an increase for a few weeks and it will peak in about six to eight weeks.
"There is no doubt that if this does become widespread within the community, that this will have a big impact on our health services."
The State Government yesterday confirmed:
30 Tasmanians had been quarantined in isolation after either coming into contact with the confirmed swine flu victim, or being designated as a suspected or probable victim.
18 of Tasmania's quarantined people travelled on a flight from Melbourne to Hobart with Tasmania's only confirmed swine flu victim last Tuesday night.
A public health order had to be served on one of the passengers to get the passenger to co-operate with health authorities.
Another two people from the flight have not yet been contacted by health authorities.
There are still two "probable" and two "suspected" swine flu cases being investigated in the state.
Tasmania's allocation of swine flu vaccine is expected to be available by October.
Private hospitals are being asked to ease the burden on the public health system by freeing up space for public patients.
A 52-year-old northern woman who has tested positive to influenza A will not find out if she is suffering from the swine flu virus until tomorrow.
With news of the state's first confirmed swine flu case, Health Minister Lara Giddings yesterday detailed the Government's latest response to the emergency.
She said several mobile flu nursing teams would be established soon to make house calls to Tasmanians possibly suffering from swine flu.
Five free flu clinics will also be established to provide assessments, medication, protective equipment and a hospital referral service.
"We do not want people turning up at any of our emergency departments around the state," Ms Giddings said.
"She encouraged both public and private nurses to put their hand up to help run the flu clinics and mobile flu teams.
"She would not put a dollar amount on how much the swine flu threat would cost the Government, or if there would be a specific allocation for it in the upcoming Budget.
Dr Pickin and Ms Giddings renewed calls for Tasmanians to stockpile food and personal medication, in case they fell victim to the virus.
"It is time now to get prepared," Dr Pickin said.
"If we call on you to stay at home, make sure you are able to do so."Phone 1800 FLU DOC -- 1800 358 362 -- if you develop a flu-like illness within seven days of travel to Mexico, the US, Canada, Japan or Panama or within seven days of contact with a flu suspect. Phone the free hotline before going to a hospital, pharmacy or your GP.
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