Influenza H1N1 Update

For the latest information, please visit the website for the Peterborough City County Health Unit

On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) increased the pandemic alert for H1N1 Influenza A to Phase 6.

A Phase 6 alert indicates that a pandemic is underway. This designation is based on sustained human-to-human transmission in more than one W.H.O. Region but does not indicate any change in the severity of the circulating virus.

To-date, the novel H1N1 influenza virus has caused mostly mild illness, so measures for pandemic management do not change at the local level, but will continue to evolve with the situation.

Fleming College feels that a pro-active approach to educating its campus community is paramount.

We strongly recommend these measures:

  1. If you have a fever - stay home; you are probably infectious.
  2. Cover a cough or sneeze, then dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.
  3. Wash your hands often and especially - before touching your face. Use alcohol-based hand rub if you do not have easy access to soap and water.

All students and employees are encouraged to educate themselves on this issue and to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from infection.

NEW INFORMATION

October 29, 2009

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Influenza Self-Assessment Tool

 

October 26, 2009

H1N1 flu vaccination clinics are starting this week for individuals in high risk groups. These include:

  • Health care workers
  • People under 65 years with chronic conditions
  • Children aged 6 months to 5 years
  • Household contacts and care providers of infants less than 6 months, and
  • Immunocompromised individuals

October 22, 2009

October 19, 2009

Vaccine Sequencing Information (Sept. 29)

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care late last week provided an update to its protocol for seasonal influenza vaccinations and the provincial plan for H1N1 vaccination.

Those 65 or older and residents of long term care homes will receive the seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) beginning in October.

Starting in November, the H1N1 vaccine will be offered to only to those considered to benefit most from it. The federal guidelines (link below) outline which groups are included. Note that pregnant women and children ages six months to under three years old will receive H1N1 vaccine without any adjuvant and all others will receive the vaccine with adjuvant.

In December and January the SIV will be available to everyone. There is growing evidence that those receiving the SIV are more susceptible to H1N1 flu so this is why the SIV will not be offered until the December-January timeframe, except to group one listed above who are at high risk for seasonal flu (and those born before 1957 appear to have enhanced immunity to H1N1 flu).

Pending availability of the H1N1 vaccine, it may also be offered in the December-January timeframe, but the sequencing and timing of distribution in relationship to SIV has yet to be worked out and a protocol developed. The H1N1 vaccine with adjuvant is still in the clinical trial phase and has not received Health Canada approval.

For further information, please read the federal guidelines on H1N1 vaccine sequencing.

To inform the public about H1N1 Influenza A, the federal government has set up a hotline at 1-800-454-8302, and websites at:

Other useful websites include:

Background

The H1N1 Influenza A is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus thought to be spread from person to person in the same way as seasonal flu, mainly through coughing, sneezing, or touch, such that virus - laden droplets connect with a person's mucous membrane.

  • Influenza becomes contagious one day before symptoms appear and for seven days after.
  • Initial investigation shows that the time from being exposed to the virus and showing symptoms is between two and seven days.
  • If you have symptoms of influenza (sudden fever, cough or sore throat, body aches, extreme fatigue) you are almost certain to recover in a few days without medical attention.
  • Only the seriously ill are advised to call a doctor or alternatively Telehealth Ontario @ 1-866-797-000. (Call before going to the doctor, as you may be directed to a more appropriate care centre).

Pregnant women and people with underlying health problems are at higher risk from complications from the virus and need to be monitored if they fall ill.

Adults with a high fever that lasts for more than three days should seek help, and children who have difficulty waking up, are lethargic or are no longer alert may also need extra care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I protect myself and those close to me?

Good hygienic practices such as hand washing before touching your face, and proper cough etiquette can reduce the risk of infection. Check out this video!

Other ways to protect yourself include getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and getting vaccinated when vaccine is available.

How do I decide if I'm too sick to go to school or work?

Staying home, especially during the early stages, whether it be the flu or another type of illness, helps you to recover more quickly and protects others.

You are likely contagious if you have:

  • a fever, a persistent cough accompanied by yellow mucus and a runny nose, a severe sore throat, vomiting, or undiagnosed diarrhea.

You are probably OK to go to school or work if you have the following symptoms:

  • sniffles without a fever, a throat that tickles or a post nasal drip, an earache, a sinus infection, a dry unproductive cough (with no mucous being coughed up).

If you have a respiratory illness, you should seek medical attention if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Yellow mucus from the nasal passages, pain or tenderness around the eyes or face, cough with yellow mucus being coughed up, painful breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath, an extremely sore throat, fever greater that 38 C.
What if another person is exhibiting symptoms but won't stay home?

Avoid direct contact, stay about 1 meter away, avoid sharing personal items, and wash your hands before touching your face. Encourage them to stay home to recover.

What if you have symptoms but have determined that you must be at work or school?

Cover your mouth and nose and maintain a distance of 1 meter from others to reduce the spread of germs. Wash your hands frequently; avoid touching your face without washing your hands before and after doing so.

Know that you are more vulnerable to acquiring other illnesses when you are already sick.

© 2010 Fleming College

September 02, 2010