On December 19th 2011 The Communicable Disease Control Branch was notified of a case of measles in an unvaccinated woman from metropolitan Adelaide. The infection is thought to have been acquired overseas.
Incubation period and symptoms: Measles is highly contagious viral infection transmitted via respiratory aerosols which remain a risk to others for up to two hours after the infectious person has left the area. The illness is characterised by cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, rash and fever present at the time of rash onset. The infectious period is from five days before the appearance of the rash to four days after the appearance of the rash.
You can download FACT SHEETS and frequently asked questions on a range of communicable diseases from the Department of Health website: http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/communicable-diseases-index.htm
or for more information contact: Communicable Disease Control Branch - Telephone: 8226 7177
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You will remember back In 2009, the World Health Organisation alerted us to a new strain of Influenza H1N1, or swine flu. The virus caused many deaths world wide, particularly in healthy young adults, was contagious and spread from human to human.
A National Pandemic (H1N1) Vaccination Program commenced on September 2009.
For More Current Information:
The Australian Government has a Health Emergency Website which will keep you up-to-date with important information about pandemic (H1N1) Influenza outbreaks in Australia, and the actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and the community. The guidance provided is based on current information and is subject to change based on ongoing surveillance and risk assessment.
The website is located at: www.healthemergency.gov.au
Other websites include: www.flu.sa.gov.au
Here At The Surgery:
We continue to maintain a hand cleansing station outside the surgery. Before entering, all patients are asked to apply the antimicrobial hand gel to help us prevent the spread of infection in the waiting room.
In any season, flu season or otherwise, it remains important to inform our receptionists if you have febrile, respiratory symptoms, so we can assist you appropriately.
Free and Private stock of this year's 2011 flu vaccine is available at the surgery by appointment.
The composition of the seasonal influenza vaccine in 2011 is the same as in 2010, covering pandemic H1N1 2009, H3N2 and B strains. All of these occured in Australia last year and have been circulating during the Northern Hemisphere winter season. At the end of February 2011, the dominant virus in North America was H3N2 while, in Europe, B and pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses were the most common.
This year's influenza vaccine is restricted to persons aged 5 years and over.
It is important to be aware that annual vaccination is necessary due to waning immunity. It is particularly important for people with chronic conditions, and it is free if you fall into the following catagories ...
Are you eligible for a free vaccine?
This year's eligibility criteria will be the same as last year. You qualify for a free influenza vaccine if you fall into any of these catagories:
Patients with egg allegy should not recieve influenza vaccine.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Despite high vaccination coverage rates in infants since 2001, Pertussis (or Whooping Cough) has remained endemic with epidemic cycles in our community.
Symptoms include an exhausting cough that can last up to 100 days, so we strongly advise a booster vaccination. The government are currently providing free vaccines for eligible patients and we have vaccines available at the surgery called Adacel or Boostrix. This vaccine also offers protection against Tetanus and Diphtheria - a bonus for those aged over 50 years as this vaccine will give you life long immunity to tetanus.
Who needs one?
For more information and education visit www.whoopingcough.com.au.