H1N1 "swine" flu: What you need to know 

Source: ONE NewsHealth official

The World Health Organisation has declared the influenza H1N1 "Swine" Flu outbreak as a pandemic.

The term "pandemic" means nothing about the severity of the illness or this particular strain of influenza. It instead relates to how quickly the virus is spreading and how widespread it is.

The Ministry of Health says the focus of New Zealand's services remains on containment efforts.

However the Ministry says this country will likely see a similar situation as that which is happening in Australia i.e. the numbers of confirmed cases will increase and at some stage there will have community spread.

The health service will be treating the H1N1 virus like all flu, with the difference being that many more people will be affected because the population is not immune to this new virus. While "swine" flu has been mild so far, it will be serious for some people in the community.

Health advice

The Ministry of Health advice is that people who have travelled overseas but who are well on their return or arrival do not need to be routinely excluded from school or work on their return.

The Ministry is also not recommending cancelling or postponing overseas travel during the upcoming school holidays which start on July 4.

To protect yourself and others

Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms is advised to phone their GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) for medical advice. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.

Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.

Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.

Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag.

Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work. Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings. If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others.

Check out the Ministry of Health website for more information.