If you cannot read this email view it in your browser.
	April 2011 Launch of 2011 Awareness Campaign The Influenza Specialist Group launched its 2011 influenza awareness campaign on Wednesday March 30. The campaign theme drew attention to the fact that influenza returns each year, having made its way around the globe infecting communities in many countries before coming back to Australia, and that often the viruses responsible have changed. The underlying message is that it is very important to be prepared for influenza every year, and that annual vaccination is still the most effective way to protect yourself, and those close to you. To emphasise the message, a new digital video was created to show how influenza is transmitted across the world. The video forms part of a new range of online educational resources, including 'talking head' videos that address questions relating to influenza, vaccination and treatment. A YouTube channel FluTube100 has also been created to enable anyone with access to a computer to see the videos. To view the digital video, use this link: How flu travels around the globe The resources also include a consumer brochure (which has been translated into 13 languages), and a pair of accompanying posters. Read further on in this newsletter to find out more. New Survey Highlights Need for Greater Flu Awareness A new survey commissioned by the Influenza Specialist Group demonstrates that while many in the community are aware of the importance of influenza vaccination that this does not translate into action to be vaccinated. The survey of 1,120 people revealed that while 82 percent of respondents recognise that even healthy people would benefit from vaccination, nearly three quarters (72%) are unsure whether they will get the vaccination, almost half (42%) have never had the vaccination and around 5,400,000 adult Australians (35%) will definitely not be seeking vaccination this year. Although people recognise the benefits of vaccination there was some reluctance identified through the survey. While people understand that being vaccinated in the past does not necessarily protect them from future influenza outbreaks (95%) they still do not believe it is important to be vaccinated every year (28%). The worrying aspect for these people is that many people are avoiding vaccination and potentially becoming a risk to themselves and those around them because they see vaccination as ‘too much hassle’ (40%), or unnecessary because they ‘never get the flu - so there’s no point’ (18%). The survey was conducted in preparation for this year's influenza awareness campaign. More information about the campaign can be found at this link: 2011 Media Launch   New Consumer Brochure The ISG has developed a consumer brochure about influenza entitled "Influenza - Help Stop the Spread", and is presently being distributed to GP practices around the country. The brochure is written in simple language, and talks about the symptoms, who is most at risk, vaccination and treatment. The brochure has also been reformatted into a fact sheet (double sided A4) and is available on the website in 13 different languages, as well as English. To find out about this resource, as well as the accompanying posters, please use this link: Consumer brochure & posters   ISG YouTube Channel The ISG has recently created a YouTube channel called "FluTube100", to accommodate a  series of question and answer style 'talking head' videos it has been developing over the past few months. To find out more about the video productions, use this link: ISG Video Productions   Influenza Risk Asessment Tool The influenza risk assessment tool has been designed by the ISG to assist the community in identifying their risk of contracting influenza and of suffering serious consequences from influenza infection. It is intended to be used as a guide only and is not an authoritative statement. Speak with your doctor about your symptoms, for medical opinion or advice and take this checklist along with you to your appointment. Check out your risk here: Influenza risk assessment tool