Sandringham Hospital will set-up a temporary building to help assess and treat patients who may be diagnosed with the flu virus.

With the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza (Human Swine Influenza) increasing in Victoria, Sandringham Hospital wants to ensure it has a best practice approach in place to treat people suspected of carrying the virus.

This move follows other State Government initiatives, including the opening of dedicated flu clinics across Melbourne.

The facility will be staffed by Sandringham Hospital personnel and will be an extended part of the Emergency Department.

The temporary facility, which will be set-up on Monday 2 June 2009 and be operational by Tuesday 3 June 2009, will be located in part of the Sandringham Hospital car park.

Level of alert: The World Health Organisation has declared this to be a public heath health emergency of international concern.

What should I do? Please call your GP if you have an Influenza-like illness (fever and cough and fatigue).

How to protect yourself: Good health hygiene practices can greatly reduce the chance you will get the flu or pass it on to others.You should always cough and sneeze into a disposable tissue and wash your hands afterwards. If you have the flu, you should avoid public places and close contact with others, especially children.

Treatment: Current information suggests antiviral drugs (Tamiflu and Relenza) are useful against these swine influenza viruses. These drugs are available through pharmacist and can be prescribed by GPs.

It is not expected the Australian seasonal influenza vaccine will provide protection against this new strain of influenza virus. However, people over 65 and those who are vulnerable are encouraged to be vaccinated, as this will at least provide protection against seasonal influenza.

More information

• For further details visit the Victorian Government’s health site
• Call the Swine Influenza hotline on 180 2007
• Call the Nurse-on-Call hotline on 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)