Flu scare sets off city alarm

Alex de Vos
A suspected case of swine flu in Geelong has led to doctors activating emergency pandemic procedures.
Geelong City Medical Clinic director Dr Peter Fox said staff isolated the male patient and advised him to wear a facemask after he presented on Saturday with flu-like symptoms.
Dr Fox said the Geelong man was unwell after recently returning from America.
“He didn’t know whether he had a temperature but we were able to activate the pandemic procedure and started isolation early,” Dr Fox said.
However, Dr Fox said an examination cleared the man of swine flu.
“It ended up being a throat infection,” Dr Fox said.
“But we’ve been advised by the Health Department to have a pandemic kit ready and to notify the department if we suspect somebody (has swine flu).”
Dr Fox feared another outbreak of the disease despite medical authorities as yet not finding any cases of swine flu in Australia.
International reports said the outbreak threat appeared to be declining, with fewer people testing positive for the potentially deadly illness.
“The trend looks like it’s slowing down in the Northern Hemisphere because it’s going into their summer but we’ve been warned there may be a second wave,” Dr Fox said.
“We may be at more risk because it’s winter and the flu is easily spread in winter.”
Dr Fox urged anyone with flu-like symptoms to visit their doctor immediately and to avoid contact with other people.
“Don’t wait too long if you’re feeling unwell,” Dr Fox said.
“The flu epidemic has given us a wake-up call as to how we should address any communicable disease – not only the flu but also the common cold and bronchitis,
“You possibly shouldn’t be going to work, you should cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and avoid places like the cinemas and public transport.”
Dr Fox feared the global economic crisis could dissuade people suffering flu-like symptoms from seeking medical attention.
“The economic circumstances are making people avoid going to a doctor but it’s not a time to be putting off seeking help,” he said.
“There are clinics like ours that bulk-bill, so there’s no expense and we aim to see people on the day and we don’t turn people away.”
Media reports this week said the flu, which originated in pigs but jumped to humans, had spread to countries around the world after first appearing in Mexico.
The reports said seven countries had confirmed cases.