# 1034
The papers are calling it a `flu epidemic', but this isn't the dreaded H5N1 virus we've been worried about. It is apparently a nasty version of seasonal flu, hitting very hard south of the equator. In what may be a harbinger of our flu season to come, flu cases in Queensland are running nearly double the usual winter rate.
With the worst of the flu season likely yet to come, some health officials are recommending that Queenslanders wear masks in public to help limit the spread of the flu.
This from the Courier Mail.
Flu epidemic strikes
Janelle Miles
August 02, 2007 12:00am
QUEENSLANDERS have been urged to wear face masks when out in public as the state suffers its worst flu epidemic in years.
With flu cases already running at almost double the average rate of the past five years, health authorities yesterday warned the worst was yet to come.
"The flu hit us fairly hard in June and July but usually it tends to peak in August and September," Queensland Health population health senior director Linda Selvey said.
"It is definitely not too late to have a flu vaccination . . . you should do so now because it takes two weeks for vaccine to be effective."
Vaccination is recommended for people over 65, and adults and children with chronic diseases.
Dr Selvey also recommended people wash their hands in a home with flu.
"Flu is easily spread by tiny droplets released while talking, coughing or sneezing," Dr Selvey said.
Anyone with sudden fever, dry cough, aches and pains, fatigue, headache, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose should not go to work or school but see a doctor.
But the Australian Medical Association's general practice spokesman Steve Hambleton went further, saying people should be wearing masks when in public to prevent the spread of flu this year.
"We need to desensitise the public in this country to wearing masks when we're sick," Dr Hambleton said.
"In Japan, people wear masks all the time – on the bus, walking around in public. In Australia, we'd be horrified if somebody did that.
"But I think it's a good idea. It's time to think about doing sensible things to protect others. Influenza is very serious."
Dr Hambleton said the colder weather was the most likely cause for the recent increase in flu cases.
"We've been indoors for longer and we're living close together and that's the ideal conditions to spread the flu," he said.
Apart from wearing masks, Dr Hambleton said people with the flu should stay at home to reduce infecting work colleagues.
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