News/Workplace Update
Date Posted:
10/28/2009 9:29:43 AM
Details:
H1N1 Immunization Clinics - free
1) Olympic Oval second Floor University
(Specifically for pregnant women, children, seniorsm, people who cannot wait in lines)
2)Brentwood Village Mall, 302 3630 Brentwood Rd NW
3) Richmond Road Diagnostic Tratment Centre 1820 Richmond Road SW
4) Avenida Village Mall , 303 12445 Lake Fraser Drive SE
5) EMS Whitehorn Station , 100 3705 35th St NE
For hours and other information go to www.albertahealthservices.ca
VON has indicated that they will be booking our Supported Lifestyles clinic soon (for our staff anhd clients. It still could be weeks away.
You may want to consider going to one of the free clinics now.
Note: After receiving your immunization/flu shot - it could take up to 2 weeks for you to be protected.
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Date Posted:
10/8/2009 12:00:17 PM
Details:
Letter sent to employees and guardians with information about the pandemic
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General Information
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.
This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is
spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal
influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a global
pandemic of novel influenza A (H1N1) was underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert level to
Phase 6. This action was a reflection of the spread of the new H1N1 virus, not the severity of illness
caused by the virus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is novel H1N1 virus contagious?
CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses
are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza.
Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu
viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. To learn more about how to prevent the spread of
H1N1 visit the following link: www.fightflu.ca/prot-eng.html
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy
nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected
with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a
result of illness associated with this virus.
Taking care of someone with H1N1 Influenza
1. Protect yourself and others
If possible, have the sick person wear a simple surgical mask if you or someone else is in the same room
within 2 metres (6 feet) of him/her. If the sick person cannot tolerate a mask, encourage the use of a
tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you are going to be within 2 metres (6 feet), you can wear a simple
surgical mask and safety glasses.
Clean your hands often, either soap and water or a hand sanitizer before and after putting on or taking
off a mask, after touching anything that a sick person has touched (such as dishes, towels, clothes, and
trash), before you eat and before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
2. Allow the ill person to rest away from others.
Anyone sick with H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is estimated to be contagious for 7 days from the
onset of the illness and should stay at home. They should generally stay at least 2 metres (6 feet) away
from others, preferably in a well-ventilated room of their own. Ill people need lots of rest; visitors
should be few. Phone calls and a few distractions, like a good book are helpful. Clean the phone or other
surface with a bleach-based cleaner after use by the ill person as the virus can survive on a hard surface
for up to 2 days.
3. Treat the fever and cough
"Coughs and sneezes spread diseases" – as the spray has the virus in it. The ill person should cover the
cough with a tissue or his/her arm. Tissues should be carefully placed in a waste basket and then the
hands cleaned with soap and water or a hand sanitizer. If needed, give a mild cough suppressant,
especially at night to help them sleep. It is not recommended to give children under 6 years old cough
suppressant. Fever often comes with chills or aches and pains. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen every 4-6 hours
may help to bring down the fever and take away the aches. Do not give aspirin to children with fever as it
has been linked to Reye's Syndrome, a potentially fatal disease associated with aspirin consumption by
children with viral diseases. A cool face cloth to the face and neck or over the whole body can help the
fever too. If antiviral medications have been ordered, ensure they get it twice a day.
4. Give lots of fluids, nutritious food and ensure a smoke-free environment with no one smoking in your home.
This all helps the body recover.
5. Keep the sick person’s things separate from others and handle anything he/she touches with care.
Each sick person should have his/her own towel, face cloth, toothbrush, etc. that are kept away from
those who are well. Wash dishes, dirty laundry and towels with hot water and soap as soon as you take
them out of the room. Always clean your hands afterwards and avoid touching your eyes. Line their
garbage with a plastic bag, so you don’t need to touch the contents. Ideally, have a garbage bin with a
foot pedal, so that you do not need to touch the garbage to put something in it. You can disinfect door
knobs and light switches with a bleach-based cleaner or by cleaning them with a mixture that is 1 part
bleach and 10 parts water. Clean the bathroom daily.
6. Be on alert for complications
Following these instructions, most people will begin to feel better after a few days. However, be on
the lookout. Sometimes complications, such as asthma or pneumonia arise and the ill person may need to
have a health assessment.
Take his/her temperature daily. Here are some signs to look for:
- Starts to feel better, then the fever returns
- Wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, coughing up blood
- Purple or bluish lip color
- Chest pain
- Hard to wake up, unusually quiet or unresponsive, strange thoughts or actions
- New onset of diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydrations such as dizziness when standing and low urine production
If any of these things occur, call a health care provider for advice. If the ill person needs to seek
medical care, they should wear a surgical mask if available. This is especially important if the ill person
is using public transportation. Monitor yourself and other family members for flu symptoms.
Are there drugs that can treat H1N1 Flu Virus?
Yes. Early research indicates that there are two prescription antiviral drugs, oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
and zanamivir (Relenza) that are effective in treating the H1N1 Flu Virus.
How are antiviral medications made available if needed?
Antiviral medications are prescription drugs. They may be obtained from a pharmacy with a regular prescription.
There is a national stockpile of antiviral medication, and some provinces and territories also have
their own stockpiles. Every province and territory has access to the national stockpile and antivirals
have been distributed on a per-capita basis.
How soon will an H1N1 vaccine be available in Canada?
If all goes well, we hope to have vaccine ready for clinical trials by late September or early October, and to begin immunization in November.
Does the Government of Canada expect to see more cases of H1N1 Flu Virus in Canada? Or a Second Wave of Illness?
We fully expect that new cases will continue be identified. Although some cases have been severe,
including some deaths, most of the cases continue to be mild. We continue to work with our
international partners to learn more about this virus and to prepare for additional waves of illness
and/or changes to the nature of the virus.
For more detailed information on the H1N1 virus please visit the following link:
Influenza-H1N1-What-Can-You-Do.pdf