And now for something completely different - SWINE FLU — Theatre Australia Forums

This was posted on a departmental intra-net. Its something I've suspected for a while...

18 June 2009

IN LIGHT of growing evidence that the H1N1 Influenza virus is not as severe as originally thought, the Federal Department of Heath and Ageing has developed a new response phase – protect.

The protect phase recognises that the effects of the virus are mild in most cases, severe in only some cases and moderate overall.

The focus of the protect phase is to treat and care for those who experience a severe case of the disease.

Head of the Department’s Influenza Pandemic team ... says it’s a matter of common sense.

“Our advice to staff who experience mild flu-like symptoms, is to stay at home and rest until they’ve recovered.”

“This should see them recovered within a few days,” he says.

The key elements of the protect phase are:

early detection and treatment of people who may be vulnerable to severe outcomes
identification and early treatment of those experiencing moderate or severe symptoms, especially in people with respiratory difficulty
normal operations will resume at international airports
schools will not be closed if students are found to have influenza H1N1, but unwell children are urged to stay home
voluntary home isolation is recommended for those who have mild illness, but contacts will no longer be quarantined.

Just goes to show what sensationalisation can do guys. So many people I know have been running for their life at the first sign of a sniffle or cough, or fearing the sudden appearance of little curly tails and snouts! The whole thing has been blown out of proportion. It's no more dangerous than a common, garden variety flu. Still not pleasant and potentially harmful to those with weakened immune systems, but nothing new.

"It's no more dangerous than a common, garden variety flu. Still not pleasant and potentially harmful to those with weakened immune systems, but nothing new." You might want to rethink that statement. Common, garden variety flu can and does KILL people. Hence the vaccinations in the first place. (Not trying to worry or sensationalise, just trying to point out that making people complacent about it does more damage than overreactions) The government/s may have overreacted slightly, but with good reason. They're concerned that a stronger strain will turn up in the future and cause more damage. I will also add that if anyone is considering overseas travel, it's a good idea to chat with your GP about getting vaccinated or other precautions. (I've had mine) Puppets and patterns at Puppets in Melbourne

And now for something completely different - SWINE FLU

"It's no more dangerous

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