Fed: Flu much more contagious and dangerous than people think

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2006
Fed: Flu much more contagious and dangerous than people think

(EDS: Embargoed until 0001 Tuesday, April 4)



SYDNEY, April 4 AAP - The flu is much more contagious than most people think, with
the virus staying in the environment for up to eight hours after a person coughs or sneezes,
experts have warned.

The warning comes at the beginning this month of influenza season, which is set to
peak between July and September.

Alan Hampson, World Health Organisation (WHO) adviser and convener of the Influenza
Specialist Group (ISG), said today many people forgot that annual influenza was a serious
condition.

"More people died from annual seasonal influenza than in the three influenza pandemics,"

Mr Hampson said.

"Influenza travels up to two metres every time a person coughs or sneezes and then
can stay in that environment for up to eight hours."

This means it's highly contagious and is carried by people before they start displaying symptoms.

"Infected people can start spreading the disease before they start feeling ill," Mr Hampson said.

ISG executive Rod Pearce said people had become complacent.

"It has been a few years since we had a serious influenza season in Australia and many
people forget what it is like to get the disease," he said.

Even previously healthy people were bed ridden for several days and could not return
to work for two to three weeks, he said.

But for people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease the outcome is much more dire.

"For these people, even if they feel fit and well, influenza can weaken their immune
system and compromise their ability to manage their underlying condition ... this often
results in hospitalisation and can even result in death."

A new report by the National Institute of Clinical Studies estimated that influenza
in Australians under the age of 65 costs the nation $130 million each year, and generates
80,387 GP visits.

David Smith, clinical director of microbiology and infectious diseases at PathWest
Laboratory Medicine, said vaccination was the best way for people to protect themselves.

"Simple measures like regular hand washing and avoiding touching your nose or mouth
with unwashed hands will also protect you," Dr Smith said.

"If you become ill with influenza you can protect others by staying at home so that
you don't spread the virus."

After an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can survive for up to an hour
in the air in enclosed environments, more than eight hours on surfaces such as stainless
steel and plastic, and up to five minutes on hands after a transfer from other surfaces.

The ISG will hold a demonstration on how contagious influenza is today at the Museum of Sydney.

AAP tr/cdh/sd

KEYWORD: INFLUENZA (EMBARGOED)

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