GUERNSEY has had its first confirmed case of swine flu.
It was contracted by an adult man, but it was found to be swine flu only after he recovered.
His doctor had sent a sample for analysis as a precautionary measure.
It is thought that the patient contracted it from a man who visited from the Americas.
Those who have come into prolonged contact with him have been given drugs and leaflets on swine flu.
Anyone with symptoms should contact their GP.
Director of public health Dr Stephen Bridgman (pictured) said this morning that the island should not be complacent. It was possible that the man might have passed the virus on to others.
‘So far, the experience in Europe is we’ve had thousands of cases, but there’s only been one death and that was someone with other problems,’ he said.
‘The illness has been relatively mild to moderate. It also seems to affect younger people, people under 45. That, to me, says there’s some natural immunity in the older generations.’ Dr Bridgman said this could be to do with the last pandemic in 1968.
‘We are not going to be complacent,’ he said. ‘Surveillance is continuing.
‘What people can do is practise good respiratory hygiene. And don’t travel if you are unwell.’
Dr Bridgman reminded people that smoking has killed more than swine flu so now was a good time to quit.
‘The whole world is concerned and these things can change but I don’t want people to get excessively fearful,’ he said.
‘It’s more likely to be about in autumn, but it’s possible it will be here in the summer as people are outside.’
Jersey so far has three confirmed cases. A primary school where cases have been found remains closed.
Symptoms of swine flu
Sudden onset of fever, cough or shortness of breath.
Other symptoms include headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite.
Ways to prevent infection
Practice good hygiene. Cough and sneeze into a tissue.
Dispose of used tissues and keep surfaces clean.
Wash your hands frequently.
If you feel ill with cold or flu-like illnesses avoid going to work. Stay at home and use over-the-counter remedies. If symptoms persist or worsen contact your GP.
For help in giving up smoking contact Quitline on 233170
Article posted on 22nd June, 2009 - 2.30pm
4 Article Comments
I am on Business off the coast of Venezuela, staying in a hotel full of US, South American citizens and working in an office that unfortunately has lots of staff off with flu – the sort that keeps them off for a week.
People here do not visit the Doctor or are tested for swine flu and I also have never gone to the Doctor (bloke thing)with something that is common that I can treat.
Containing this will not be possible so it will become a common day occurance that people in the island catch it and getter better from it. I am back next week and if I have the flu, I will meet the Doctor I have not seen for over 10 years.
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Another reason I am so thrilled as a mom that our children, and my husband and I are taking all kinds of steps in protecting our family. We take a daily probiotic from Vidazorb as I have read many articles that are showing how well they can boost your immunity! Thank Goodness! Caroline
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I am really surprises at the lake of attitude yesterday listening about this yesterday. The person from Americas who was he with on the plane, did they take a taxi/bus to town, where did they go. Waiting at the airport to return home how many people were they in contact with! I am also a mum with two children unfortunately mind have extremely low immunities and are constantly at the drs (my 1 year old has had nine bouts of tonsolittis already this year!) I am worried if they do catch it because I fear that it may be worse than the normal flu for them. Again I also try and give them the muller probiotics to try and keep their immunity boosted as best as posible.
Dr’s over here are still not testing all that see them with flu like illness as I know quite a few people that have been to see their dr’s and told just to go home as its a virus. This was even last week.
Did anyone read page two of the paper yesterday whereby it did state if you had flu like symtoms not to go to work/school and if it gets worse to contact your GP. The guidelines I thought was if you have flu like symtoms to automatically contact your GP to be tested straight away. Otherwise we are going to have lots of cases of people who had this an did not know about it like this lad.
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I´m back from Rio in a few weeks after travelling round South America for about three months!
And I´m less than 45!
See you soon.
Sam.
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