Be prepared for the flue this winter

It may be the first day of winter but flu season has hit early and with close to 1600 cases already reported this year, AMA Queensland is urging residents to take precautions to stop the virus spreading.

 

AMA Queensland President Dr Gino Pecoraro said the average number of cases reported per month had increased by more than 50% on last year.

 

The wild, unseasonal weather the State has endured this year may be one of the reasons why we have seen such a large number of flu cases between January and May,” Dr Pecoraro said.

 

Queensland Health has reported more than 460 cases of the Influenza virus in the past five weeks alone and almost 30% of these were the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus or swine flu.

 

It is unusual to see seasonal flu early in the year and we are asking everyone to observe good health and hygiene practices to avoid a further spike in illness.

 

AMA Queensland President-Elect and General Practitioner Dr Richard Kidd said including a few simple practices in the daily routine can make all of the difference.

 

Always remember to wash your hands regularly and to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing,” Dr Kidd said.

Keeping your distance from others when you are feeling unwell can help reduce the chances of spreading the flu virus to other people.

 

If you are experiencing symptoms then try to stay home, don’t take public transport and avoid going to work or school until you are better.

 

Anyone experiencing flu like symptoms should see their GP. If patients suspect they have influenza, they should advise staff at the time they make the appointment or when they arrive at the surgery to see the doctor.”

There are also treatments available including Relenza or Tamiflu for patients who present to their GP with onset flu-like symptoms within 36 – 48 hours.”

 

Flu vaccinations are highly recommended and can reduce the likelihood of being infected by the virus.

It is a good idea to have a chat to your GP about the flu vaccine to see what suits you as needs will vary particularly for the elderly, babies and infants and those suffering chronic illness,” Dr Kidd said.

 

Different vaccines are available for children between the ages of six months and 10 years.

 

To locate your closest AMA GP, download the free AMA Find a Doctor App. Alternatively the service can be found online at www.amafindadoctor.com.au

'Find a Doctor' iPhone App Wins Prestigious Award

 

  

  An iPhone App and website that allow Australians to locate their nearest GP with the push of a button has won a prestigious AMA Award for Excellence.

 

The 'Find a Doctor' iPhone App and website was developed by AMA Queensland and won the award for the 'most innovative use of website and new media' at the weekend's AMA National Conference.

 

AMA Queensland President Dr Gino Pecoraro said the iPhone App is a community service that makes it easy to pinpoint an AMA doctor anywhere in Australia.

 

"The 'Find a Doctor' iPhone App uses GPS technology to locate a doctor nearest to you and then using 'Google Map' directions guides you to the medical practice," Dr Pecoraro said.

 

"The iPhone App can also be used as a medical directory allowing users to type in any suburb, town or city across Australia to find contact details for a local AMA GP."

 

Dr Pecoraro said 'Find a Doctor' was launched in December and the timing could not have been better.

"Many Queenslanders were unable to reach their regular GP during the January floods so our free iPhone App came in very handy" he said.

 

"The number of people using the iPhone App peaked during the flood crisis as residents were either isolated or had to relocate to neighboring towns and needed help to quickly find a local GP."

 

"'Find a Doctor' has also proven popular with people moving house, holiday makers, travellers and day trippers as they can move around Australia confidently knowing they have a portable GP directory in their back pocket."

 

Dr Pecoraro said this was the second year in a row AMA Queensland had won an award in the innovative website and new media category.

 

"We won the same award last year for the Your Hospital’s Health website which was designed to improve transparency in the health system by making the latest Queensland public hospital performance data available to the public in an easy to read format"

 

"This award proves that Queensland is leading the way when it comes to innovative initiatives for patients and their families."

To download the free 'Find a Doctor' App, visit the Apple iPhone App Store at www.apple.com/iphones/apps-for-iphones or visit www.amafindadoctor.com.au.