Flu: stop squealing normal virus worse

Alex de Vos
Doctors have advised residents that normal influenza is often worse than swine flu as the virus begins breaking out in the Geelong region.
Barwon Health confirmed on Tuesday that doctors had diagnosed the region’s first case of swine flu.
The virus has been blamed for deaths overseas but has failed to claim lives among Australia’s growing number of victims.
General Practitioner Association of Geelong’s Dr Jane Opie said the organisation was expecting “more local cases” as the virus spread.
However, she considered swine flu relatively “mild”.
“Certainly, what we’ve seen is no worse than normal influenza,” Dr Opie said.
Barwon Health spokesperson Kate Nelson said Geelong’s first swine flu victim was undergoing treatment in home quarantine.
“A patient presented at Geelong Hospital’s emergency department and tested positive for H1N1 Influenza,” Ms Nelson said.
“Infection control measures have been adhered to and have followed the guidelines for the control of infectious diseases.”
Last week Ms Nelson told the Independent an outbreak was “inevitable”.
She advised anyone with flu-like symptoms to contact their doctor.
“What you need to do is ring ahead first and advise your doctor whether you have those symptoms so they can implement infection-control procedures to minimise the risk of transmission,” Ms Nelson said.
“We also need people to practice good personal hygiene.
“Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands and avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.”
Ms Nelson said Barwon Health would continue working with Department of Human Services, the city’s General Practitioners Association and City of Greater Geelong to contain the virus.
“But we need the public’s cooperation to minimise transmission,” she said.
Swine flu has hit Victoria harder than any other state, accounting for three quarters of the country’s 500-plus confirmed cases.