Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 fact sheet

This fact sheet provides information on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, what the Australian Government is doing, and advice on what you can do to protect yourself.

What is Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs which is caused by one of several Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 A viruses. The strain of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 causing concern around the world is a mutated form of this virus called Influenzavirus Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is dangerous because it can be spread from human to human. It can be passed on by people who are carrying the virus but show no outward signs of illness.

Why is Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 a concern?

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 poses several risks to human health:

  1. Most people are unlikely to have immunity to Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses which could help prevent them becoming infected if they come into contact with someone carrying the virus.
  2. While the general symptoms of infection are similar to seasonal influenza, they can range from having no symptoms to severe pneumonia resulting in death.
  3. Mild cases or cases without symptoms may not be detected, which could allow the disease to spread wider and more rapidly.
What is the Australian Government doing?

Australia has very good communicable diseases surveillance and control systems in place to detect and respond to outbreaks of illness.

The Australian Government is closely monitoring the situation overseas in conjunction with international agencies and health experts. The Government has also taken the necessary steps to prevent or control the spread of the disease in Australia. These include:
  • Making Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 a quarantinable disease in humans under the Quarantine Act 1908.
  • Strengthening border measures at airports including using thermal scanners, requiring all incoming passengers to fill out Health Declaration Cards and requiring all planes arriving from overseas to report to ground staff on the health status of passengers before landing.
  • Continuing to review the public health response and being ready to escalate the level of response if required.
  • Liaising with the World Health Organization (WHO), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health experts to obtain more information on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
Additionally, emergency departments, border agency staff and front-line health care workers have been provided with factual information about the outbreaks and alerting them to the known characteristics and risk factors for this disease.

Similar information has been sent from the Chief Medical Officer to general practitioners.

Updated travel advice has been provided to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smart Traveller web site, www.smartraveller.gov.au. Travel advisories can also be obtained on 1300 555 135.
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Am I at risk from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?

Anyone who has an acute febrile respiratory illness (fever of 38 degrees Celsius and one of nasal congestion, a runny nose, sore throat or cough) should seek medical advice by phoning a general practitioner, hospital or the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Hotline (180 2007). This is particularly important for anyone who has returned from Mexico, USA or Canada since March this year and who has influenza-like symptoms. While you may not have Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, it is best to seek advice so that you can be given appropriate treatment should it be necessary and so that you can reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others.

Although so far there is no evidence that the current human cases of the disease are associated with ongoing influenza outbreaks in pigs, it is best to minimise contact with sick pigs and report illness in these animals to the appropriate animal health authorities. Most people who become infected from pigs do so because of prolonged, close contact. Good hygiene practices are therefore essential, particularly when slaughtering and during post-slaughter handling.

How do I protect myself?
  • Australia has well-tested plans to contain and eradicate the disease. However, following these steps will minimise your risk:
  • Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have a fever and a cough.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Follow good health habits including getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious food and keeping physically active.
What should I do if I think I have Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?

If you feel unwell, have high fever or chills, coughing or sneezing, fatigue, headache, body aches and/or a sore throat:
  • Stay at home and keep away from work, school, public transport or crowds as much as possible.
  • Wear a surgical mask or other face covering if you do have to be in contact with other people.
  • Rest and take plenty of fluids.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues (or your sleeve) when coughing and sneezing and dispose of the used tissues properly.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing.
  • Inform family and friends about your illness and seek help for household chores such as shopping that require contact with other people.
Top of pageIf you need medical attention:
  • Contact your general practitioner by phone before travelling to see them and report your symptoms. Explain why you think you have Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (for example, if you have recently travelled to a country where there is an outbreak in humans). Follow the advice given to you for care.
  • If it is not possible to contact your general practitioner in advance, tell the receptionist you think you might have Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 immediately upon arrival at the healthcare facility.
  • Take care to cover your nose and mouth during travel. If possible wear a surgical mask or other face covering during travel as an added precaution.
If there is an ill person at home:
  • Try to keep the ill person in a separate section of the house. If this is not possible, keep the person at least one metre away from others.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when caring for the ill person. Masks can be bought from your local pharmacy or made using readily available materials as long as they are disposed of or cleaned properly.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after all contact with the ill person.
  • Try to improve the air flow in the area where the ill person stays. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breezes.
  • Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents and use disposable cloths.
Is it safe to eat pork and pork products?

Yes. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160 °F/70 °C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.

What if I’m travelling overseas?

To find out if the country you are travelling to is affected by Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 check the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s travel bulletin at www.smartraveller.gov.au. Updated travel advice is available on this site. Travel advisories can also be obtained on 1300 555 135. Also, make sure your travel documents are up to date while overseas, in case you need to leave at short notice.

Want to know more?

For more information on the human health risks of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and steps you can take to prepare, see the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing website www.healthemergency.gov.au