People at increased risk of severe outcomes
Most people infected with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Australia have had mild disease and have recovered after a few days resting at home. But there is a risk of serious health complications for people with pre-existing medical conditions and people who are otherwise fit and healthy but who deteriorate rapidly. People with flu-like symptoms who are, or believe they may be, more vulnerable because of a pre-existing condition or rapid deterioration should consult their healthcare provider immediately.
Pre-existing medical conditions include:
- Chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Pregnancy (particularly in second and third trimesters)
- People who are very overweight
- People with:
- Cardiac disease (more than simple high blood pressure)
- Diabetes
- Chronic metabolic diseases
- Chronic kidney disease
- Haemoglobinopathies
- Immunosuppressed (including cancers, HIV/AIDS infection, transplant treatments)
- Chronic neurological conditions
The Panvax
® H1N1 vaccine is recommended for people with underlying medical conditions. Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated.
The
symptoms of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza are like the symptoms from seasonal influenza – high temperature; cough; runny or stuffy nose; sore throat, body aches; head ache; chills; tiredness. With this Influenza some people have also had nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.
The risk of people with pre-existing conditions having a more severe disease is because they may have weaker body defences (immune systems) or because, when the body is affected by other conditions or illness, it is easier for bacteria to invade the cells that have been damaged by the flu virus and so cause other illnesses such as pneumonia.
The flu can also stress the body so much that an underlying illness may worsen. It is important that you
seek immediate medical advice if you develop severe flu-like-symptoms or if
your flu-like illness becomes worse, for example, you develop difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
Other people who may need additional advice and monitoring by a healthcare provider if they develop severe flu-like-symptoms include:
- Smokers
- People with obstructive sleep apnoea
- Children under the age of 2 years
- Indigenous Australians
More detail on www.healthemergency.gov.au:
