Dr LIM - 1996-08-15
This morning's NT News and the radio news warned of a flu epidemic sweeping the Top End. I note that the minister appears to be a little unwell himself. What advice can he give to minimise the risk of this epidemic?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I can speak with some authority about this influenza. It is a type-A virus that has been detected in the Territory for some time. My little boy has been in bed for 2 days, and my wife before him. In fact, I have been blaming her for giving it to me, but I note that the tourists have actually given it to us. I will have to apologise to her. I am advised that the symptoms appear suddenly and include shakes and shivers, a high temperature, aching joints and a slight sore throat. That is true. I was feeling well yesterday until lunchtime when I developed a high temperature. I had a terrible night last night.
I am particularly concerned for elderly Territorians who are the people most at risk. Aboriginal people over 50 years of age and non-Aboriginal people over 65 years of age are particularly at risk with this virus. Luckily, because of an excellent immunisation campaign, there have been no deaths in the Territory thus far. However, we must not underrate the seriousness of this influenza virus for that risk group. People with chronic heart, lung, or
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kidney disease or diabetes need to obtain the advice of Territory Health Services or their general practitioner. They should arrange to have themselves immunised because it is a particularly virulent strain and may be fatal for risk groups.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I can speak with some authority about this influenza. It is a type-A virus that has been detected in the Territory for some time. My little boy has been in bed for 2 days, and my wife before him. In fact, I have been blaming her for giving it to me, but I note that the tourists have actually given it to us. I will have to apologise to her. I am advised that the symptoms appear suddenly and include shakes and shivers, a high temperature, aching joints and a slight sore throat. That is true. I was feeling well yesterday until lunchtime when I developed a high temperature. I had a terrible night last night.
I am particularly concerned for elderly Territorians who are the people most at risk. Aboriginal people over 50 years of age and non-Aboriginal people over 65 years of age are particularly at risk with this virus. Luckily, because of an excellent immunisation campaign, there have been no deaths in the Territory thus far. However, we must not underrate the seriousness of this influenza virus for that risk group. People with chronic heart, lung, or
Page 1500
kidney disease or diabetes need to obtain the advice of Territory Health Services or their general practitioner. They should arrange to have themselves immunised because it is a particularly virulent strain and may be fatal for risk groups.
Page 1501
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016