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Human Swine Influenza

The Department of Health and Ageing has established a new, national hotline for the public to receive health information about the outbreak overseas of H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza).

The number is: 180 2007

In light of the increasing number of outbreaks of H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) in schools overseas, the National Pandemic Emergency Committee (NPEC) recommends a 7 day period of exclusion from school for children (including adolescents) following international travel to a country of concern.

For more information visit:
http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/health-swine_influenza-index.htm

Information for Parents - H1N1 Influenza 09 virus

A. Child care services are expected to contact families at their service if they are affected by the H1N1 influenza 09 virus.

Q. Who else will be notified?
A. Child care services are also expected to contact State and Territory health and child care licensing authorities. These authorities can provide advice to your service about the need to close a service, or implement exclusion periods.

Q. Who should I contact for further advice about my child’s health if my child care service has been affected by H1N1 influenza 09 virus?
A. You should contact your local health professional, the Health Department in your State or Territory or the national Influenza Hotline on 180 2007.

Q. Will my Child Care Benefit (CCB) be payable if my child care service is closed on the advice of health and/or child care licensing authorities due to an outbreak of the H1N1 influenza 09 virus?
A. CCB can continue to be paid if your service is closed on advice of health authorities due to the H1N1 influenza virus and families continue to incur a liability for child care fees during this time.

Q. Do I claim absences if only my child is affected by the H1N1 influenza 09 virus outbreak and my service is not closed?
A. You may claim absences for the period your child does not attend the child care service due to your child being ill.

Q. If my child care service is closed and my child does not have any H1N1 influenza 09 virus symptoms, can my child attend another child care service so that I can continue to work?
A. You should contact your health professional, your State or Territory health authority and child care licensing authority to determine if your child can safely attend another centre. Families can then contact the Child Care Access Hotline on 1800 670 305, or they can telephone or call into other child care services to identify local child care vacancies.