ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly, is urging Canberrans to stay home from work and to keep their families at home from childcare and school if they are sick.

“With illnesses like influenza, gastroenteritis and other very contagious viral infections at high levels in our community at the moment, we are urging Canberrans to stay away from childcare, school, work and other social activities until they are well,” Paul said.

“As we do at this time every year, the ACT Health Protection Service is currently working closely with our childcare centres and residential aged care facilities to help stop the spread of these illnesses amongst some of the most vulnerable in our community.

“Today we are asking Canberrans to work with us in protecting our community and stay at home if unwell.

“Canberrans are also reminded to follow other simple advice if they become unwell to help stop the spread to others.

“For influenza, cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of soiled tissues in the bin immediately. Touching contaminated surfaces (including hands) and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes can also lead to infection, so wash your hands regularly with soap and water and/or use an alcohol based hand rub.

“For gastroenteritis and other highly contagious viral infections, the most effective way of preventing the spread is by washing your hands thoroughly using soap and water and/or use an alcohol based hand rub. Washing your hands is especially important after using the toilet or after changing nappies and assisting someone else who is sick and before preparing food,” Dr Kelly said.

ACT Health is also reminding Canberrans about the range of health care services available, including free healthcare options, and encouraging people with non life threatening illness or injury to use these services, such as:

• healthdirect – call 24 hours a day seven days a week on 1800 022 222 for free expert advice and reassurance;
• Walk-in-Centres – for free one-off treatment of minor illness and injuries for those over the age of two, see a specialist nurse seven days a week. Walk-in Centres are located in the Belconnen and Tuggeranong Community Health Centres and are open from 7.30am to 10pm daily;
• GP surgery – for ongoing comprehensive health care for everyone, including those with acute problems, children under two years and those who have complex medical problems, your GP is your best option. Many GP clinics offer services after-hours and on weekends;
• CALMS – 1300 422 567, the call centre is open weeknights from 6pm and all day weekends and public holidays, with CALMS clinics open from 8pm;
• National Home Doctor Service – 13 74 25, from 6pm weeknights to 12pm on Saturday and all day Sunday and public holidays. All National Home Doctor Service after hours GP home visits are bulk billed; and
• Community Pharmacist – your local pharmacist is qualified to give you expert advice on many health issues, with many local pharmacies open extended hours.

“Our two Walk-in Centres in the ACT provide free treatment by a specialist nurse for minor illness, colds or flu, bites, stings, cuts, abrasions and other minor or non-urgent health complaints for those over the age of two years,” Paul said.

“There are also after-hours options available for people who require non-urgent medical treatment outside normal business hours, and I encourage people to use the services such as CALMS and the National Home Doctor Service.

“Of course, if you or one of your family members is seriously ill with a genuine medical emergency, you should always call 000 or seek treatment through the Emergency Department at the Canberra Hospital in Woden or Calvary Public Hospital in Bruce.

“If you are unsure your condition requires emergency medical intervention, you can also seek advice through healthdirect, 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 022 222,” Dr Kelly said.

Influenza is a highly contagious viral illness that can affect people of all ages. It is spread person to person by virus-containing respiratory droplets, produced during coughing or sneezing.

The influenza virus can survive for more than 8 hours on hard surfaces such as a lift button or light switch, a telephone, the photocopier or the handle of a supermarket trolley.

For more information on influenza visit: health.act.gov.au

Gastroenteritis is a common infection of the stomach and bowel that results in vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be highly contagious, often causing outbreaks, particularly in aged care facilities, child care centres, schools and hospitals. Outbreaks can occur at any time of the year but are more common during winter and into spring.

For more information on viral gastroenteritis visit: health.act.gov.au

Canberrans can also seek further medical advice from their GPs.