Mock PSA, Australia Campaigns Against Swine Flu - Are you Protected?

Photos - Australian Kids wearing face masks to protect them from Swine Flu

At present there are 27,663 people in Australia contaminated with the H1N1 or human swine influenza virus.

95 Australians have already died from Swine flu.

People most at risk from the virus are people with lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, immunosuppression problems, drug treated asthma, pregnant women and children under 5.

The swine flu symptoms are simular to those of the seasonal flu. A sudden fever of above 38C and sudden cough accompanied by headaches, tiredness, chills, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, aching muscles, limb or joint pain.

Swine flu is spread in the same way as a seasonal flu, close contact, within a metre of a person suspected of swine flu, hands and surfaces where the germs are present.
To prevent the spread of swine flu stay home when sick, when coughing or sneezing cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue disposing of it immediately, and wash hands frequently.

If you believe you have swine flu contact your local doctor, ring 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84). For further, information log onto http://www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu.

By Tenille de Brueys, Student- Advanced Public Relations
Lecturer, Dr. Hume Johnson

Mock PSA - Australia tackles Swine Flu (Crisis Communication Seminar)

Photo - Noni Hazlehurst, Australian actress

Hi I’m Noni Hazelhurst. As a mum, I know how often kids can come home with a harmless runny nose, but with Australia in midst of a Swine Flu pandemic we parents need to take extra steps to help stop the virus spreading.

While the Federal and State governments are working together to find a vaccine for the virus, it is up to us to ensure that until that time comes, people most vulnerable to the disease are protected.

Swine Flu, like most viruses, spreads easily from person to person, making children and schools especially vulnerable to the disease. Simple contact or being near another child who doesn’t cover their mouth when sneezing can be enough to make your child sick.

If your child shows any signs of fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, body aches, tireness or chills, take them to the doctor immediately. Kids should then be kept at home until their symptoms clear up.

You can help protect your child from the virus by making sure that they wash their hands regularly and by keeping them away from people with flu symptoms.

For more information on Swine Flu visit www.healthemergency.gov.au, and help keep Aussie kids healthy.

By Nicole Rushbrooke, Student - Advanced Public Relations
Lecturer, Dr. Hume Johnson

Mock PSA - Australia Combats Swine Flu (Crisis Communication Seminar)

Photo, Australian scientist, Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki

Hi, I’m Dr. Karl. The swine flu has hit Australian shores so it’s time to get in the know about what to look for.

The Australian and state governments are working to minimize the threat to all Australians, and are working towards measures to treat victims.

The swine flu is a tricky one to spot as it carries many of the same symptoms as the regular seasonal flu such as, a high fever, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, muscle and joint pains.

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your GP as early detection is very important to staying healthy.

Swine flu spreads in the same way as the regular flu, so watch out for other people who may be showing signs of the same symptoms.

The most at risk are the elderly, young children, and those suffering from existing respiratory problems, and people whom are recovering from major surgeries.

Experts say that washing your hands regularly can help limit your chance of infection, or spreading the virus to others.

If you think you have swine flu contact your GP or visit www.health.gov.au.

By Slavisha Grabovickic - Student, Advanced Public Relations
Lecturer, Dr. Hume Johnson

Mock PSA, Australian Olympian Tackles Swine Flu

Photo: Stephanie Rice, Olympic Gold Medallist, Swimming, Australia

Hi there, I’m Stephanie Rice. The outbreak of the H1N1 Virus, also know as Swine Flu is now impacting Australia and is a serious public health risk.
H1N1 Virus symptoms include:

1.Sudden fever (38C or above), cough, tiredness, chills, Headache, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing
2.Stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhoea
3.Aching muscles, joint pain

The Australian Government is working on H1N1 vaccine and has activated the Australian Health Management Plan to contain the outbreak of Swine Flu. The Virus is spread from person to person by coughs and sneezes. The virus can also be spread when a person touches on another person, object or surface, and then touches their mouth or nose.

If you believe you have Swine Flu, please contact your local GP or call 13 HEALTH.
Protect yourself by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms, and taking the following measures:

•Avoid touching your mouth and nose;
•Clean hands thoroughly regularly;
•Avoid visiting people who have the flu
For more information call 13 HEALTH, or visit the Australian Government Swine Flu website (http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/H1N1virus)

By Mathew Crossley, Student, Advanced Public Relations
Lecturer - Dr. Hume Johnson

Mock PSA, Australia's Next Top Model Talks Swine Flu

Photo, Tahnee, Winner of Australia's Next Top Model, 2009

Do you have a cough? Are you feeling tired or chilled? Do you have regular headaches an upset stomach or aching muscles and limbs? You may think that it is the common cold but you may have swine flu.

Hi my name is Tahnee winner of Australia’s Next Top Model and I have been checked for swine flu, have you?

Did you know that swine flu is a respiratory disease and is spreading worldwide.
Symptoms of swine flu is a fever exceeding 38c, a sudden cough, runny nose and sneezing, feel tired or chilled, have an upset stomach which can lead to nausea and/or diarrhoea, have a sore throat or if your muscles and limbs start to ache and joint pain occurs.

Experts say that swine flu is extremely infectious and can be avoided by keeping a distance from people that seem unwell and have these related symptoms. You can avoid this by regularly washing your hands, covering your mouth with a tissue when you cough or blow your nose and disposing of the tissue immediately, cleaning hard surfaces e.g. door handles.

If you or someone close to you has any and/ or all of these symptoms, see your doctor and get protected against swine flu today! I have, so why haven’t you?

By Leah Aitchison student of Advanced Public Relations
Lecturer Dr Hume Johnson