Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders are at higher risk of serious illness from Human Swine Influenza.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders are more likely to have other illnesses that can lead to more serious health problems from Human Swine Influenza. These illnesses can include diabetes (sugar sickness), chronic respiratory (lung) disease (asthma or COPD), heart disease, renal (kidney) disease and being very overweight.
To keep their baby safe, pregnant women need to be extra careful of any flu, or they could be at risk of pneumonia or an early labour.
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and you have signs of the flu, you should see your GP, health clinic or hospital emergency department. Please call before you visit.
The advice to anyone who has other illnesses, is pregnant, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is:
Be AWARE of how flu spreads from person to person.
- If someone has Human Swine Influenza they can spread it by being in close contact with other people. If someone with the virus is talking with you or coughing or sneezing near you - you are at risk of becoming infected. Droplets with virus can land on the mouth, nose and throat of people close by. The virus may also spread through sweat, mucus (snot) and saliva (spit) on the hands of an infected person or anything they have touched (e.g. toys, cigarettes, benches, bottles and food).
PROTECT yourself and your family against Human Swine Influenza
- stay home when you are sick
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel - make sure you dry them too
- wash your hands prior to touching your eyes, nose, mouth and food
- when coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with throw away tissues and then throw them in the rubbish right away
- don't kiss or hug someone with signs of the flu
- don't share items such as cigarettes, glasses or cups, lipstick, toys or anything which could be contaminated by mucus (snot) or saliva (spit) from coughs or sneezes.
State and local governments are currently working to limit the effect of Human Swine Influenza on Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities:
- Each community is being closely monitored for possible new cases.
- Local health professionals have already been provided with additional support and resources, including medicines and personal protective equipment (masks etc).
- A community information campaign is underway to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people protect themselves against the virus.
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