Go well this summer

COVID and other bugs are still in our communities, which can be stressful for those at higher risk of becoming severely ill. We need to keep up the healthy habits we know to keep our at-risk whānau and community safe these holidays. The main thing we can do to protect others, is to stay home while we’re sick. Sound simple? It is. Staying home if you’re sick is essential to stop the spread of viruses and help you to get well sooner. 

If you’re visiting someone who is high-risk:  

• Ask them what you can do to help keep them safe. 

• Take a RAT first, especially if you’re visiting hospitals or aged care facilities.  

• Keep up to date with your vaccinations 

• We strongly recommend wearing masks in closed, crowded and confined spaces. 

• If possible, arrange to meet with friends and whānau outside.  

• If you are gathering indoors, ventilate the space to reduce the risk of illness.   

There are a range of healthcare options available for you:   

• If you get sick, for free medical advice 24/7, 365 days a year call Healthline on 0800 611 116 – interpreter support is available. If you’re not sure what to do or where you can get in-person health care at this time of year, Healthline can advise what services are open wherever you are in the country.   

• If you or someone in your whānau needs to see a doctor, contact your local healthcare provider to arrange an appointment.  Also contact or visit your local community pharmacy to ask for advice.  Please bear in mind that their opening hours may differ from their normal hours over the Christmas holiday period.  See www.healthpoint.co.nz for details of services open across the motu over summer.  

• For children/tamariki under 5, call Plunketline on 0800 933 922 for free health advice 24/7, 365 days a year.  

• For a sports injury you can go straight to a physio or sports injury clinic. They can arrange x-rays and treatment, register an ACC claim or refer you to a specialist. 

• You can book a virtual on-line consultation with a GP with one of the providers based in NZ. 

• In an emergency dial 111. 

• If you are away from home, or an international traveller, you can contact a doctor or medical centre in the local area where you are staying but you may need to pay for advice and care. 

• General online health information and self-help resources can be found at www.healthify.nz 

Emergency care  

• Te Whatu Ora hospitals across the motu will continue to provide critical and emergency care 24/7 as they have always done over the Christmas period.  

• Hospital emergency departments and many urgent care clinics remain open – so if it’s an emergency, always call 111 or go to the emergency department if you are seriously unwell or if it’s a life-threatening emergency. 

You can find more info on healthcare for you and your whānau here: https://info.health.nz/services-support/find-the-right-healthcare-for-you-and-your-whanau/  
 

• Gastroenteritis (gastro/tummy bug) is highly infectious, and large numbers of people can be affected in a short amount of time. Main symptoms are diarrhoea (runny poo) and vomiting (being sick).  Bugs such as norovirus, rotavirus, salmonella, campylobacter and cryptosporidium can all cause gastro symptoms. 

• Gastro spreads very easily from person to person.  This can happen by shaking hands with someone who has been sick and has virus particles on their hands, having contact with an infected person’s vomit or poo, by touching contaminated objects like shared items, door handles, or cutlery, and from eating contaminated food, drink or water. 

• When a person is sick with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, it can also cause dehydration when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Children/tamariki are more likely to get seriously dehydrated with gastro as they can lose fluid more quickly. In some cases, this can lead to hospitalisation. 

• People usually get Bacterial Gastroenteritis by eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated with the bacteria. This is less easily passed from person to person, but depending on the source, large numbers of people may become infected.  

To guard against gastro, it’s important to wash your hands with soap and water, and dry your hands thoroughly, especially: 

• before eating or preparing food 

• after going to the toilet 

• when changing nappies 

• after contact with an infected person 

• If someone in your home, workplace or education facility has gastro, to prevent spread:  

  • Ensure regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, rooms and affected areas, especially frequently touched surfaces or objects, and bathrooms and toilets.  

  • Keep spaces well-ventilated by opening windows and doors several times a day to increase fresh air flow. 
     

• Food safety is always important, but especially in hot weather. Food Safety messages can be found here: Food health and safety | New Zealand Government (www.govt.nz):Food health and safety | New Zealand Government (www.govt.nz): 

• Make sure you wash your hands before cooking 

• Keep food refrigerated properly where possible 

• Don’t leave food out for too long 

• Make sure meat and fish are properly cooked before eating 

• Keep surfaces and utensils clean   

If you’re concerned, contact your usual medical centre or hauora provider, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.  
 

As temperatures rise, it’s important to look after yourself and your whānau this summer. Extreme heat can cause illness and death, but effective planning and actions can reduce its effects on health. 

We are all vulnerable to hot temperatures, some people are more at risk. This includes older people, babies and infants, people who are pregnant, those with pre-existing medical conditions or on certain medications, and people living alone. 

There are some simple steps that we can all take to reduce the risk to our health when the temperatures are high: 

• Plan ahead - check the forecast, pack enough water and food, use a chiller bag  

• Drink plenty of water and encourage your children to drink often 

• Stay out of the sun, find shade outside wherever possible and stay indoors when you can and wear loose and light cotton clothing 

• If you have to be outside, remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. Slip on a shirt/top with long sleeves and a collar and slip into the shade, slop on sunscreen that is at least SPF 30, broad spectrum and water resistant, and apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours and slap on a wide brimmed hat and wrap on close-fitting sunglasses 

• Don’t leave children or pets unattended in parked cars 

• Keep a close eye on neighbours, especially the elderly, to check they’re okay. Remember, children, older people or those with health concerns may find it more difficult to cope with the heat 

• Keep your house cool by opening windows and doors on the shaded side and close curtains and blinds to keep the sun out 

• Keep cool while exercising.  If possible, exercise or do outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening 

•      Don’t forget to call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free health advice.  

  For further information about managing heat visit: Heat Health Plans: Guidelines and key information