Influenza A (H1N1) Update – 23 July 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Update – 23 July 2009

People with influenza should stay home from work for at least a week to stop the spread of the flu to their work colleagues.

“We need to keep our businesses running,” said Peter Townsend, chief executive of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce.

“Slowing down the spread of influenza is important and requires sensible management, common sense and employers and employees working together in their common interest – and the interests of the community at large.

“Staying at home when sick is the best way of making sure that the impact on our business community, and the Canterbury economy as a whole, is kept to an absolute minimum,” he said.

Most people with the flu will be able to care for themselves at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol if they have a fever or headache, says Dr Phil Schroeder, who heads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group.

“It is up to all of us to make that decision to stay home for at least seven days – even though we think that we should turn up at work,” he said.

“Stopping the spread of the flu is the most important priority in this situation,” said Dr Schroeder.

Children who are unwell with the flu should also stay away from school for 10 days to protect their classmates and school staff, he said.

“Again this means that an adult has to be there with them and it may be necessary to call on other people who have already had the flu to help out,” said Mr Townsend.

People with significant health conditions who become ill with influenza should telephone their general practitioner or the Canterbury Flu Line on 0800 37 30 37 for advice within 48 hours of their first symptoms.

ENDS

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