AIBS National News

On 24 April 2009 the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised of an outbreak of a new strain of flu - H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza).

The Australian Government is working closely with state and territory governments and relevant authorities to monitor the situation. Australia has excellent communicable disease surveillance and control systems to detect and respond to outbreaks, as well as high quality medical facilities and health practitioners. This will ensure that Australia is able to respond effectively to the evolving situation.

The Australian Government has robust plans to deal with influenza outbreaks. These plans include procedures for containing infection spread.

What actions has the Government undertaken to prevent the influenza?

The Australian Government has put in place strengthened border control measures in response to the potential spread of swine flu. Pilots flying to Australia must report any flu symptoms among their passengers. Anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be assessed by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service and border nurses to determine whether medical treatment is required. Thermal scanners are now operating in all major Australian international airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin) and all incoming passengers are required to fill out Health Declaration Cards.

What should you do as an organisation?

You should review your Business Continuity Plan, particularly the actions to take prior to an incident such as an influenza outbreak. This might include:

• reminding your people about good hygiene practices e.g. washing of hands, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing etc
• ensuring ready supplies of soap, tissues etc
• encouraging anyone with flu-like symptoms to call their health practitioner
• making contingency plans for any disruption to your operations such as increased staff or volunteer absences.

Business planning for non-government organisations

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has developed a Business Continuity and Pandemic Planning Kit to assist non-government organisations to prepare for a potential human influenza pandemic. You can download the kit, or request a hardcopy by emailing Piinfo@fahcsia.gov.au

Health information

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your family and friends from influenza is to practise good personal hygiene.

Follow these tips on five simple ways to prevent the spread of any form of influenza.

For more information on Human Swine Influenza visit the Department of Health and Ageing website or call the Commonwealth Health Hotline for Swine Influenza on 180 2007 or contact your state or territory health department.