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By Chloe Pelham, Bond University Journalism student.
Residents of Varsity Lakes are preparing for a swine flu outbreak after Australia’s swine flu tally moved up from 25 to 400 in just six days.
According to official federal Health Department figures there have been 20 cases of swine flu in Queensland, three of which were on the Gold Coast.
Varsity Lakes resident Emilija Temekoski said she was worried there would be an outbreak of swine flu in local schools.
“My brother Phillip goes to Varsity College and recently had a letter sent home informing my parents that the school would close if there was a break out,” she said.
“It’s become much more real now that there are confirmed cases on the Gold Coast.”
Another Varsity Lakes resident and university student Brandt Hurley said he was also concerned about the harm swine flu could cause if there was an outbreak on campus.
“With such a large amount of people in one relatively confined area, it’s definitely reason to worry,” he said.
Dr Savitri Seneviratne from Varsity Medical Centre said the best way to avoid contracting swine flu was to stay away from busy and crowded places when possible and avoid people who have tested positive for swine flu.
“If someone has symptoms of swine flu, they should phone their doctor immediately before coming into the clinic in order for the doctor to be prepared,” she said.
“This ensures that steps can be taken to avoid infecting other patients.”
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