THE Tasmanian Public Health Department has provided the following information on the procedure for isolating anyone suspected of having the Human Swine Flu virus:
1. Why have I been told to stay in home isolation?
You've been told to stay at home in home isolation because:
You might have H1N1 Influenza 09, swine flu.
You might have been exposed to swine flu. This means you've been near someone who has swine flu and you may have caught it but are not yet showing signs of illness.
Home isolation is an important way to slow swine flu spreading and assists in protecting Tasmanians from a virus that we have no immunity to.
It is important that we do what we can to contain the flu virus to a small number of people to ensure our community, businesses and schools can continue operating effectively and without huge disruption. More importantly it protects your family and friends.
2. Do I have to stay at home?
If you've been instructed to stay in home isolation, that's what you must do. Home isolation is supported by law. A Public Health Order could be issued to you if you refuse to stay in home isolation.
The amount of time you spend in isolation will depend on whether you are sick, and when you might have been exposed to swine flu.
Public Health staff will telephone you regularly to see how you are. Its very important you stay in home isolation until Public Health staff tell you your isolation period has ended.
You can go out into your garden.
3. What do I do if home isolation is unexpected and I do not have sufficient supplies?
If you do not have sufficient supplies, please ask a neighbour, friend or family to get food and other essential supplies for you. Ask them to leave the groceries on your doorstep and keep at least a very large step from anyone in home isolation.
4. Can I have visitors when I'm in home isolation?
You should not have visitors when you are in home isolation, even if they are in home isolation as well. Let your family, friends and neighbours know you are in home isolation, and tell them not to visit. It's good to put a note on your door letting people know.
If you must have a visitor, keep a very large step from your visitor and wear a well-fitting face mask over your mouth and nose. Your visitor should wash their hands before leaving your house.
5. What if I get sick, or get worse?
If you were sick when you started in home isolation and you get worse, seek further advice by telephoning 1800358362 (1800FLUDOC).
If you werent sick when you started in home isolation and you become sick, phone 1800 358 362 (1800 FLU DOC) straight away. Don't wait for staff to phone you.
6. How can I prepare for home isolation?
Preparation for home isolation is not just about stocking your cupboards.
Ensure you have enough basic groceries and any medication that you may require to last you for at least a one to two week period.
7. How can I protect other household members?
While you are in isolation its best to assume you have been infected with swine flu and take care not to pass the virus to others.
Wash your hands often, with soap and water, or alcohol-based rub. Use a tissue or paper towel to turn the taps off so you dont get your hands dirty again.
Always cover your cough and sneezes with tissues, and throw used tissues in the rubbish straight away. If you cant reach a tissue in time, use the inside of your elbow.
Keep at least a very large step from others. Wear a face mask over your mouth and nose when you have to be in the same room as other people.
Sleep in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if possible.
Keep personal items like towels, face washers and toothbrushes separate.
Do not share food or drinks.
Let fresh air into the house as much as you can open the windows and doors.
8. What about pigs and birds?
If you keep pigs or fowl (e.g. chickens, geese), it is important you stay away from them while you are in home isolation. Try to organise someone else to care for them and feed them.
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