Pandemic - Swine Flu

Swine influenza A, also known colloquially as “Swine flu”, is caused by the H1N1 virus. This is a new (novel) virus which has not previously been identified in North America or elsewhere. The ADA Inc. has published a dental patient briefing on swine flu at
http://www.ada.org.au/newsroom/article,documentid,166383.aspx

The Organisation for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP), a Global Dental Safety Organisation, has posted Swine Flu resources for dental professionals at
http://osap.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=1216

The provision of factual and up to date information to patients and staff is a key means by which to avoid panic or extreme reactions to a pandemic.

Members wanting to check public health advice regarding management of risks associated with swine flu may wish to check the following websites:

For general information about the Government response:
http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf

Important information about pandemic influenza, including what the Australian Government will do if it happens, and what individuals, businesses, communities and health care professionals can do to prepare for and respond to a flu pandemic is offered at
http://www.flupandemic.gov.au/internet/panflu/publishing.nsf

Resources for Health Care Providers are provided at:
http://www.flupandemic.gov.au/internet/panflu/publishing.nsf/Content/resources-profs-1

Other useful resources include:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/side-effects.htm
http://www.tamiflu.com/

Employer members are reminded of the need to plan for possible staff absences arising from their need to care for ill family members or from other consequences of a widespread outbreak.