Indigenous people all over the world are more likely to die and have complications from influenza, a contagious respiratory illness caused by virus, reports a 2009 article in the New York Times, "Swine Flu's Risks Increase for Australia's Aborigines." This includes Australian Aborigines, American Indians and Canadian Intuits. Factors increasing risk in these groups include poverty, and cultural and language barriers. A higher incidence of chronic disease and malnutrition increases risk as well. The CDC and national governments have instituted measures to reduce the impact of influenza on indigenous populations.
Promote Vaccination
One of the most important measures to reduce the impact of influenza in indigenous populations is to immunize as many people as possible before they get sick, according to the Queensland Government, which implemented a PROTECT phase in Aborigine communities in 2010. Aborigines are given priority for vaccines, and the government created health messages targeted to them.
Early Treatment
Another measure used to better protect indigenous people is to diagnose and treat them early. A flu clinic was established on an affected Aborigine island, and islanders are told to come to the clinic early if they feel sick.
Along with elderly, diabetic and immune-deficient people, all indigenous people are classified as risky and vulnerable, which means they have early and wide access to Tamiful, which can prevent illness if given within 48 hours of onset of the flu.
Swab Most Cases
Another measure to reduce flu in indigenous people is to swab most cases to establish the presence of a particular virus, such as the H1N1 virus, reports The State Population Health Emergency Operations Centre. Experts there recommend swabbing everyone and putting them on Tamiful until transmission data in the area is obtained. In Aborigine areas, the Queensland government sends extra supplies of medications and equipment. This is fortunate, as in other indigenous communities, such as Canada, so many Indians and Intuits were hospitalized during the 2009 swine flu epidemic that the village hospitals ran out of ventilators.
Quarantine
Early in the course of an influenza epidemic in Australia, the government imposed quarantine measures, sending school children home for a week if they had visited areas with the flu, even if they seemed unaffected. In another instance, all the passengers of a cruise ship were quarantined.
According to the CDC, people with flu-like symptoms should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone, unless they must leave the house to get medical care. The fever must be gone for this period without the use of medication. Such measures help prevent others from getting the flu.
Hospital Referral
Because indigenous people are known to be vulnerable to severe illness from influenza, the Queensland government recommends that risky and severe cases be transferred to the hospital. Tamiflu is recommended before transferring the patients.
Practice Good Hygiene
One of the most commonsense and important practices is to promote good hygiene among all people, including indigenous groups. These include covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth is also encouraged, as this practice spreads germs. Another important measure is to wash hands often, and avoid close contact (within 3 feet) with sick people.
References
- Queensland Government: Advice for the Management of Flu-like Illness in Remote Indigenous Communities--Protect Phase in 2010
- CDC: Infection Control Measures for Preventing and Controlling Influenza Transmission in Long-term Care Facilities
- New York Times: Swine Flu's Risks Increase for Australia's Aborigines
