First flu case in south
DAMIEN BROWN
June 06, 2009 07:15am
THE first confirmed case of swine flu has been detected in the state's south -- six Tasmanians now have the disease.
Despite the spread of the disease so rapidly this week in Tasmania and also in neighbouring Victoria, the Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Chrissie Pickin, said today that Tasmanians travelling to Victoria needed to take simple precautions to give themselves the best chance of remaining free of human swine flu - but there is no need to boycott the mainland state.
SWINE FLU HOTLINE: 1800 358 362 (1800 FLU DOC)
Dr Pickin said she understood Victoria and particularly Melbourne was a popular destination for Tasmanians travelling for business and pleasure.
"We are not saying don’t travel to Victoria, rather while you are there follow some basic hygiene rules and when you return stay at home if you are suffering flu like symptoms," Dr Pickin said.
"The reason we are asking people to do this is because we can offer antiviral medication which not only makes you feel better but can protect those around you.
"This is even more important if the people around you are more vulnerable like pregnant woman and people living with asthma or another chronic disease like heart disease, diabetes or respiratory disease.
"So the key message is, if you are travelling to Victoria, when you are there wash your hands regularly, keep your distance from unwell people, cover your coughs and dispose of your tissues in the bin."
MESSAGE FOR PARENTS ON SCHOOL AND CHILD CARE EXCLUSION POLICY:
Dr Pickin said health authorities were asking parents to exclude their children from school and child care for a period of seven calendar days after returning from Victoria, USA, Canada and Mexico.
"The protocol will apply for seven days after departure from affected areas, whether or not flu like symptoms are displayed.
"This policy has been brought into force because we know that children are less able to follow basic hygiene messages and because they appear to be particularly susceptible.
"I want to stress that children are not being quarantined, but instead their parents are being asked to voluntarily exclude their children from school in the interests of the entire community.
"Voluntary exclusion means a quick trip to the shop, walking the dog or playing outside is perfectly fine.
"However, we would discourage parents from allowing their children to mix with large groups of other children – for example at birthday parties IF they have returned from the areas mentioned above.
"The above advice does apply to children who are in child care centres," Dr Pickin said.
Anyone with symptoms is asked to call 1800-FLU-DOC.
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