Flu death no surprise: GP | Fraser Coast News | Local News in Fraser Coast

Dying is a fact of influenza, says Hervey Bay GP Shaun Rudd.

His comments come after the swine flu Queensland recorded its first swine flu death yesterday.

“It's to be expected we get deaths,” the president of the Fraser Coast Local Medical Association said.

“We have to be realistic about it - there's not a lot we can do.”

A woman, 38, died at Brisbane's Mater Hospital where she was admitted a week ago. She was the 22nd person to die from the illness in Australia.

“We get deaths every year from other strains of influenza,” Dr Rudd said.

“Even with hospital care there is no guarantee.”

Dr Rudd said the important thing to do was contain the illness.

“The flu is something that does run out of steam when the season is over.

“(People need to) stay away from large areas, doctor's offices, hospitals, work ... when they do become unwell.”

Queensland Health said anyone in a vulnerable group who had flu-like symptoms, like fever with a cough or sore throat, should consult a doctor.

Of the 10,000 cases in Australia, more than 2600 confirmed cases are in Queensland.

GROUPS VULNERABLE TO SWINE FLU

• Indigenous people of all ages

• Pregnant women

• Those with respiratory disease - including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Renal and liver disease

• Obesity

• Immunosuppression