On 1 December 2010, Australia moved from the PROTECT phase to the ALERT phase of its pandemic plan.

ALERT is the phase between pandemics (disease activity at seasonal levels).
The key element of the ALERT phase is heightened vigilance for a new influenza virus or an antigenic change in a current circulating influenza virus, which may be of concern.

The focus will now be on routine surveillance for influenza, which includes medical practitioner and laboratory notification of laboratory confirmed cases as well as sentinel surveillance from general practice (Metropolitan, Regional and the Melbourne Medical Deputising Service), hospitals and Intensive Care Units.

Promotiion of the uptake of the H1N1-specific vaccine (Panvax)  will continue (freely available until 31 December 2010) and trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine. 

Pandemic preparedness will also be maintained.

Good hygiene still remains vital

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  
• Throw the tissue in a plastic-lined rubbish bin after you use it.
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
  Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.

If you feel unwell

• Don’t go to work or school if you have a flu-like illness.
  
• Please seek medical advice if you have a flu-like illness.

Please go to http://humanswineflu.health.vic.gov.au for further information or
www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf

H1N1 Vaccination Program

DoHA website http://www.healthemergency.gov.au      -    Latest Bulletins

The Victorian Department of Health now has a webpage dedicated to swine flu on opening www.health.vic.gov.au it is the first item under Focus On or the direct link is http://humanswineflu.health.vic.gov.au

For the most up-to-date information :

• Visit www.health.vic.gov.au  
• Call the Influenza Hotline on 180 2007 or
• Call Nurse-on-Call on 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Doctors who want to report a suspected case call 1300 651 160
  
  

RACGP also has information available on their website http://www.racgp.org.au  about swine influenza which will be updated on a daily basis. The pandemic planning kit is available on the RACGP website.

Resources:

• Complete list of pharmacies supplying Tamiflu - Pharmacy Guild
• General practice also needs to be promoting cough etiquette and hand hygiene as two of the most important ways to stop the spread of viral illnesses. See Marg Jennings  Infection Control Newsletter for April 2009, May 2009, June 2009 and July 2009.

WHO FAQ - http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/faq/en/index.html