H1N1 Updates

The H1N1 flu virus is a new strain of pandemic influenza which is different than the seasonal flu. People have no natural immunity to protect against this virus. The H1N1 flu virus emerged in April 2009 and surveillance of its spread shows that it is affecting more young and healthy people than the regular seasonal flu, which normally affects seniors and young children. People with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women may be at a greater risk for severe illness.

H1N1 Flu Virus has been reported around the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic influenza virus. H1N1 is a strain of the influenza virus that in the past, usually only affected pigs. In Spring 2009, it emerged in people in North America. This is a new strain of influenza and because humans have little to no natural immunity to this virus, it can cause serious and widespread illness.

The H1N1 flu virus is contagious and is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza. This happens when an infected person coughs or sneezes and their germs enter the nose, eyes, or throat of another person. The germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, and can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose. It is not possible to catch it by eating pork or pork products or through blood transfusions.

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand. If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands.
• Get immunized.
• Keep common surface areas—for example, doorknobs, light switches, telephones and keyboards—clean and disinfected.
• Eat healthy foods and stay physically active to keep your immune system strong.
• Keep doing what you normally do, but if you get sick, stay home.
• Check www.fightflu.ca for more information.

If you get flu-like symptoms and are otherwise healthy, you should stay home to recover. If your symptoms worsen or you experience difficulty breathing or serious shortness of breath, it is important to seek medical attention.
The following groups are not more likely to get the H1N1 virus. However, they are more at risk of developing complications if they do get sick:

• Children under five years of age (especially those less than two years old)
• Women who are pregnant
• People with chronic conditions

If you have flu symptoms and you have one of these risk factors, contact a health care provider as soon as possible — antiviral medications may be needed.

Getting the H1N1 flu vaccine is the best way for Canadians to protect themselves and others from getting infected.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/fs-fr_h1n1-eng.php

· H1NI and seasonal vaccine is available at Rgional Nursing Services and all staff are invited to receive their shots at one of our clinics.

· Regional Nursing services has been qualified by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term care to host Flu clinics for work places as soon as vaccines are available in Ontario each year.

For more information regarding delivery of vaccine to work places please contact Rgional Nursing Services.