Swine Flu Factsheet for Aboriginal people
IMPORTANT MESSAGES!
When you're sick...
- Talk to your doctor about flu treatment
- Try to keep away from others - being close can spread germs!
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands with soap and running water often
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a new virus - its proper name is Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. It causes the same illness as the flu seen every year (seasonal flu) and is spread the same way.
Illness may include:
- fever
- chills
- cough
- sore throat
- body aches
- tiredness
- vomiting
-
diarrhoea
What will happen if I get the flu?
Both swine flu and seasonal flu will cause illness this winter. Most people who get the flu won't get too sick, but some people will get very sick. Some people will need to go to hospital.
What should I do if I get sick?
Go to your doctor as soon as you can. The treatment for flu works best if it is started as soon as possible after you get sick.
Don't pass it on...
To help look after your mob, if you are sick:
- try to keep away from others - being close can spread germs!
- cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- wash your hands with soap and running water often. You can use hand gel too.
If you are looking after someone who is sick, wash your hands often.
Is there a vaccine that will help?
A vaccine for the seasonal flu is now available and is recommended for all Aboriginal people. It protects against three types of common flu, including swine flu.
If you have already had the swine flu vaccine (called Panvax®), you should still have the seasonal flu vaccine.
The seasonal flu vaccine is free for:
- all Aboriginal people aged 15 and older
- everyone aged 6 months and older with most health problems that need regular help
It is still very important to have other normal vaccines, as people are still getting sick from other diseases. The pneumococcal vaccine is free for Aboriginal people who have health problems, or who are over 50 years old.
For more information contact your GP or AMS