THE chances of picking up a new strain of swine flu in Guernsey are remote, according to the director of public health.
Dr Stephen Bridgman (pictured) said islanders were less likely than UK residents to become ill with the new strain identified in five people in Cardiff on Friday.
Those patients were on a unit that was treating people with severe underlying health conditions at the University Hospital of Wales.
They are thought to be the world’s first confirmed cases of person-to-person transmission of a Tamiflu-resistant strain.
‘It is of some concern, but they have got it under control,’ said Dr Bridgman.
‘The vast majority of people recover from swine flu, 99% will get better.’
He said that for ordinary people Tamiflu shortened the illness by a day.
But the department was continuing to strongly recommend that those in the at-risk group had the jab.
‘A lot of people have already been vaccinated, but we would like to encourage anyone else in the at-risk group to have the vaccine.’
Dr Bridgman said the key was picking up any new strains early. Guernsey was part of a worldwide surveillance system that alerted countries to how the virus was progressing and to developments in drugs available, he said.
‘If it was here, it would be picked up, but the chances of picking it up are remote.’
Dr Bridgman said if people were sensible, catching swine flu was not inevitable.
‘It is spread by respiratory droplets so common sense and good hygiene is really important.
‘People should not accept others coughing and sneezing without a handkerchief.’
He added that Guernsey did expect to get a few hospital admissions with the virus over the coming months.
nÊThe latest advice about the virus is available on the States website. www.gov.gg.
Article posted on 24th November, 2009 - 2.29pm
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