Sick People Still Need to Follow Flu Advice

People in Canterbury with flu should continue to follow advice given during the swine flu pandemic to look after themselves and protect others from getting sick.

“The number of people with influenza is diminishing but there are still some people getting sick who need to avoid spreading their illness to others and need to know where to go if they require medical advice,” said Dr Phil Schroeder, leader of the Canterbury Primary Care Pandemic Group.

If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms you should stay at home, away from work, school and public places. Most people with influenza can manage at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for pain or a fever. Covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands regularly will help to prevent others in your family from getting sick.

Anyone with a long term health condition or who is pregnant should contact their General Practice or After Hours surgery promptly if they develop flu symptoms. People who are worried about their flu symptoms should contact their General Practice, After Hours Surgery or the national helpline, Healthline (0800 611 116). As always, call 111 in an emergency.

All Canterbury Flu Centres have now closed except for the Christchurch Flu Centre in St Asaph St, which will close at the end of the day on Tuesday 18 August.

“Cantabrians can continue to call the Canterbury Flu Line 0800 37 30 37 until Tuesday but otherwise they should now call their GP, After Hours surgery or Healthline ( 0800 611 116) if they are worried about their flu symptoms or 111 if it is an emergency,” Dr Schroeder said.

For further information see the Canterbury District Health Board’s influenza website www.fluinfo.org.nz

ENDS

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