Modules:
1. Introduction
2. Influenza Viruses
3. Seasonal, Avian, and Pandemic Influenza
4. Influenza: the disease
5. New Zealand pandemic planning
6. Primary Health Care preparedness
7. Community preparedness
8. Anti-viral Drugs
9. Vaccines
10. Common Questions
11. Resources
12. Course Conclusion

 

Influenza is mainly spread by droplet transmission, therefore there is little evidence to support the use of particulate respirator masks in every face to face contact situation. However particulate masks, eye protection, gloves and gowns/aprons should be used where there is a high risk of aerosol spread of respiratory secretions eg invasive procedures - suctioning, intubation, extubation, taking of nasopharyngeal swabs, nebulising

 

Primary Health Care Preparedness

Communications with Patients:

Consider what avenues are available for communicating with
patients. Some practices have regular newsletters, others rely on posters and messages in waiting rooms, telephone triage and local media

Preparedness Phase:

  • Create awareness in the patient population of the need to consider and screen for pandemic influenza in high risk groups.
    Refer pdf "Travel Health Have you recently arrived from overseas?" from Ministry of Health Website
  • Have accessible and available advice to patients around the key communication messages - what is bird flu, pandemic influenza and how to prepare at home
    Advice sheet that can be handed out to patients: RNZCGP Handout (PDF) 
  • Use all possible avenues to communicate key public health messages around hand hygiene, cough hygiene, safe disposal of tissues, keeping a safe distance from respiratory illnesses
  • Many areas are considering innovative ways of preparing for a pandemic and the possible disruption to regular services:
    • Giving patients lists of their chronic illnesses and medication list so they can take them to whatever health services are open in a pandemic if in need of a service
    • Sharing PMS databases so key practices can manage patients from all practices in the district.
    • Encouraging patients who have prescription medicines to always renew prescription well before running out. Eg when 2/3rds through current prescription.

Pandemic Phase

Planning for how to communicate to patients how they can access services is part of the practice plan:

  • How to access routine health services
  • How to access treatment for influenza illnesses
  • How to access treatment for complications of influenza
  • How to access telephone/internet information and advice
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