Three out of four people intend to get the swine flu vaccine when the national vaccination programme gets under way, according to a nationwide survey carried out by the HSE.
Key findings of the report indicate half of the adult population are worried about themselves or a family member contracting the virus
The study, which took place in late July/early August, found that public awareness of the pandemic flu was “very high” across the country with 78 per cent of people surveyed saying they would recommend their family members to get the vaccine when it becomes available.
An overwhelming majority, 91 per cent of those surveyed, agreed the HSE should vaccinate people with chronic illnesses and frontline healthcare staff against the virus first.
While the study showed a high level of knowledge among the public it revealed more information was needed about what people should do if they think they have swine flu. The majority, some 55 per cent, said they would go to their GP and six per cent said they would attend their local A&E department. However, people are recommended to telephone their doctor first, the choice of only 37 per cent of those polled. The HSE says most people will not need to contact their doctor or hospital as in the majority of cases the illness is mild to moderate and they will recover at home as with seasonal flu.
The survey found that 53 per cent of respondents feel the swine flu virus will pose a serious challenge to Irish society in the areas of business, education and healthcare. The poll also found that while 50 per cent are worried that they or a family member will contract the flu some 40 per cent are not worried.
Dr Paul Connors, national director of communications with the HSE, says since the pandemic began in April the health authority has been trying to inform the public of the symptoms of swine flu and the steps they can take to protect their family and friends.
“We want to ensure that people know what to do if they are concerned that they or a family member may have the illness and this research helps us understand how the public is responding to our public information messages and identify where there are gaps which in turn informs our future public information campaigns. Since this survey was undertaken, we have initiated a major public information campaign, with a range of resources available for people to get advice on the flu. We expect that in the next run of this survey, the impact of that campaign on public awareness will be measurable.
“Particularly now as we move into the winter we need to be sure that the important public health advice is getting to the right people and, more importantly, is being understood. Everyone has a role to play in limiting the impact of a pandemic virus so ensuring the HSE’s communications response is working is crucial.”
Planning for a mass vaccination programme is currently under way - there has never been a mass vaccination campaign on this scale in Ireland before. It is likely to take between six months to a year to complete. This will be affected by the delivery schedule of the vaccines which has yet to be confirmed.
What to do if you have the flu:-
* Check the symptoms of flu on the HSE website at www.hse.ie and www.swineflu.ie or by calling the 24 hour flu information line on freephone 1800 94 11 00.
* If you have flu symptoms contact your GP by telephone. Do not go to the surgery or to a hospital emergency department in the first instance
* Your GP will decide if you need testing or treatment
* Some people, such as those in high risk groups or with severe symptoms, will be given anti-viral medicine. Your GP will advise patients when anti-virals are needed.
* There are some simple steps we can all take to stop flu from spreading:
Use a tissue to catch coughs or sneezes
Bin the tissue straight away
Wash your hands well and often.
