H1N1 (Human Swine Flu) Advice

The H1N1 influenza is now widespread in the general community throughout Western Australia. The Department of Health has advised that people with influenza-like illness are not being routinely tested by health authorities.  The focus of prevention in schools is to reinforce the message that students and staff with influenza-like illness should stay away from school and from public places until their symptons have abated.  The new approach recognises that human swine flu is mild in most cases, severe in some cases and moderate overall and that the overwhelming majority of people make a rapid and full recovery. Students on 571 (school) visas are no longer required to defer entry into WA schools. School closure or partial closure will not be used when there is one or more suspected or confirmed cases within a school. The only exception may be in specific circumstances such as schools with significant numbers of students with special needs where the students may be more vulnerable to infection. School excursions/trips can resume under the usual application and approval process. However children returning from excursions or trips should be monitored and not attend school if they develop symptoms of flu-like illness. Normally healthy students and adults who develop a flu-like illness do not need to consult their doctor or hospital to be tested for human swine flu. These individuals should completely recover after a few days without the need for prescription medication. If you require an update on the latest advice for international students in Western Australia regarding H1N1 please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and put in the subject heading H1N1 Advice and an update will be emailed to you. Download an information sheet: H1N1 Information Sheet (pdf) 193kb