H1N1 Information

Information contained on this page include:

1. Pandemic 101

2. H1N1 Info for People with Chronic Health Conditions

3. Protecting yourself and others form the H1N1 flu virus

4. H1N1 Information for Pregnant Women

5. Will wearing a mask help

6. Interior Region H1N1 Preparedness Checklist

Contacts

If you are experiencing flu symptoms please contact:

Non-emergency Health Link phone 8-1-1

Community Health Services phone 1-250-256-4800

Local Hospital phone 1-250-256-4233

If your community is experiencing multiple cases of H1N1 please contact:

Communicable Disease Unit phone: 1-866-778-7736

Medical Health Officer phone: 1-866-457-5648

For more information check out these sites: www.healthlink.bc.ca www.fnhc.ca www.bchealthguide.org www.fightflu.ca

www.phac-aspc.gc.ca www.interiorhealth.ca

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/phg-ldp-eng.php

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/hp-ps-info_health-sante-eng.php

1. PANDEMIC 101

1) How is pandemic flu different from seasonal flu?

· Flu pandemics happen when a new kind of influenza virus that is able to spread easily from person to person appears, and spreads quickly around the world. Even if the pandemic flu isn’t more severe than seasonal flu, because more people will likely be infected and since people have limited protection against the new virus, a pandemic flu will likely cause more illnesses and a larger number of deaths than the seasonal flu.

· The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the overall severity of the H1N1 pandemic to be “moderate”, which means that most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care.

· An estimated 400-800 people in British Columbia and 4,000-8,000 people in Canada die of seasonal flu and/or pneumonia each year.

2) Influenza pandemics have happened every 10 to 40 years for at least the last 500 years.

· In the last century, there have now been four flu pandemics. Before this year, the last was in 1968. But even in the worst pandemic in recorded history (the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918), 97 per cent of people who were ill survived even without the use of antibiotics, antivirals or vaccines, as none had been developed at that time.

3) What happens in B.C. now that a pandemic has been declared?

· • Once the H1N1 flu virus situation became known in Mexico, British Columbia’s preparations for pandemic planning were raised immediately to an operational level equal to what would be set up for phase 6. This means:

o increased surveillance activities

o increased communications; and

o linking with public health colleagues on a provincial and federal level to ensure a consistent approach to managing the outbreak across Canada.

· • This operational level will be maintained until the WHO decreases the alert level.

· The BC Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan and the plans of the local health authorities (available on their websites) lay out how B.C. is responding to the pandemic. The plans’ key goals are to help communities and their resources to work together to reduce sickness and death, and give families and groups tips and ways to stay well and secure. Visit www.gov.bc.ca/swineflu for more details.

· Unlike other natural disasters like tsunamis, floods or earthquakes, a flu pandemic can last for several months. Experts believe there will be a resurgence of H1N1 in October and cannot predict what impact this will have on the usual influenza season that runs from December to March. It is also likely that a pandemic will occur in several waves, with the second wave of illness occurring within six to nine months after the first. This means people need to be prepared to respond not only once, but several times.

· This pandemic also has the potential to make people sick in different parts of the province at different times. More people might get sick in one city than in another. There is no way to know for sure how many people will get sick or die. So far, the H1N1 pandemic has resulted in a low mortality rate across the developed world.

4) What can you expect where you live?

· During a flu pandemic, it is possible that more people will be sick at the same time than normal, and it could be harder for the health system to keep up. Based on United Kingdom models of illness rates during a pandemic, it is estimated that at its peak, 20 per cent of persons could be ill enough to be off work during any one week. Because more people will be sick, you might have to wait longer to see your doctor or get into a hospital. Because more people will be off work with the flu, there may be problems in other types of services, like garbage pick-up, bus service, and being able to buy food.

· There are plans in place to help people during a severe pandemic. For example, you can expect that:

o The most needed medical services will still be provided;

o Special clinics may be set up specifically to treat people with flu or flu-like illness; and

o People with the worst symptoms and those who are most likely to get very sick from the flu will be cared for.

5) How will you know if the pandemic becomes more severe?

· B.C. has a robust, comprehensive and flexible influenza surveillance system that has been in place for many years. The goal of the surveillance is to monitor the distribution of respiratory viruses (including influenza), identify where people are affected and to track any patterns of vulnerability among the population. Intensive early testing provided us with that information for the H1N1 flu virus.

· B.C.’s well-established surveillance system will continue to allow the Province to track both the spread and impact of the H1N1 flu virus in B.C. – but it is a system that doesn’t rely on doing a lab test on everyone with influenza-like illness.

· Moving forward, B.C.’s flu surveillance will continue to provide the information needed to track the spread and severity of the novel virus, helping the Province to plan for our response to this illness should it resurge in the fall or adapt to cause more severe illness.

6) How will you know if you need antivirals?

· B.C. has public stockpile of antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, and the Province is working to ensure rapid access to antivirals in the event the pandemic becomes more severe and it becomes necessary that stockpile supplies are released. Access to antiviral medication for patients will be through a range of local options, including pharmacies, which will be made known to the public as plans are completed.

· If you fall into one of the groups considered at high-risk for contracting or suffering complications from the H1N1 flu virus, during one of your regular doctor visits prior to the fall, work with your doctor to determine whether you should be prescribed antivirals in advance for use in the event you show H1N1 flu symptoms. Those at high-risk include:

o Women who are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy or four weeks post-partum during the flu season

o People at any age with underlying health conditions, and especially those with asthma, diabetes and morbid obesity

o Young children (under 5 years of age) and children with chronic health conditions as they seem to be a highest risk for hospitalization

· • Any British Columbian who needs antiviral medication to treat a serious influenza infection (H1N1 or otherwise) will be able to get it.

· • B.C. is fully committed to working with the federal government and the other provinces to ensure we are sharing public health information and working collaboratively, in the best health interest of all British Columbians and all Canadians.

7) Can you get immunized against the H1N1 virus?

· A vaccine has been developed and it is presently anticipated that B.C. will receive enough to immunize everyone who needs and wants it.

· As the vaccine will arrive in November (or possibly earlier), all British Columbians who need and want it will be able to receive a first dose by Christmas. There aren’t expected to be any delays in vaccinating different groups (for example, health care workers versus susceptible individuals).

· Decisions about priority access to the pandemic vaccine will be based on a number of factors, including vaccine availability, evidence of susceptibility, scientific evidence, and ethical, legal and logistical considerations, which will instruct how to reach these targeted groups at work or through their primary care providers.

· A vaccine prioritization framework is currently being developed in partnership with Health Canada. Several factors must be weighed in developing priority groups, such as the characteristics of the illness and the vaccine, its spread and severity among different populations and the logistics of administering the vaccine.

2. H1N1 Info for People with Chronic Health Conditions

Adults and children with chronic health conditions are one group of the population that is at higher risk of contracting and suffering complications from the H1N1 flu virus. These chronic health conditions are the same that make people eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine (diabetes, chronic heart or lung conditions, asthma, etc.). Besides common sense precautions such as staying home if you’re sick or coughing into your sleeve, there are a number of other steps you can take to best protect yourself.

Before you get the flu:

· During one of your regular visits prior to the fall, talk with your doctor about whether you should get a prescription for antivirals in advance. As antivirals work best when taken within 24 hours of showing flu symptoms in the event you get sick in the fall, you can just call your doctor to the this prescription filled.

· You may also wish to find a “flu buddy” to assist you in accessing medication in the event you become ill and unable to travel.

· Talk to your doctor about having a two-week supply of medication on hand.

· Be alert to changes in your breathing, especially if you have heart failure, congestive heart disease or COPD.

· Inform family members or close friends of your medical condition.

If you get the flu:

· Treat any fever right away with fever-reducing medicine such as Tylenol.

· Call your doctor to get your prescription for antiviral medication filled.

· Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or if you experience chest pain or shortness of breath.

· If you use medications for your condition, continue taking it even if you become sick with the flu, unless your doctor or health care provider says otherwise.

· If you do have to travel outside the home while you have flu symptoms, wearing a simple surgical mask will help protect others from coughing.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water.

You can call Health Link BC at 8-1-1, 24 hours a day/seven days a week to speak to a nurse if you have more questions or are concerned about any illness/symptoms experienced by you or your children.

For the latest facts on the H1N1 flu virus, including back-to-school information, visit www.gov.bc.ca/h1n1.

3. PROTECTING YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM THE H1N1 FLU VIRUS

Influenza is caused by viruses, and is generally spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Here are six simple, common sense precautions that can help safeguard everyone’s health:

1. Stay home when you’re sick or have influenza symptoms. Get plenty of rest and check with a health care provider as needed.

2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.

3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away immediately. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Wash your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from getting sick. When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. You can become ill by touching a surface contaminated with germs and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, and avoid smoking, which may increase the risk of serious consequences if you do contract the flu.

4. H1N1 INFORMATION FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Women who are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy or four weeks post-partum during the flu season are one group that is at higher risk of complications from the H1N1 flu virus. The risk of complications rises as pregnant women progress through the trimesters (i.e. the risk is higher in the third trimester than in the second).

Besides common sense precautions, such as avoiding contact with sick people, staying home if you’re sick and coughing into your sleeve, to best protect yourself and your baby during this vulnerable time, there are a number of other steps you can take.

Before you get the flu:

· During one of your regular doctor visits prior to the fall, talk with your doctor about whether you should get a prescription for antivirals in advance. As antivirals work best when taken within 24 hours of showing flu symptoms, in the event you get sick in the fall, you can just call your doctor to get this prescription filled.

· While there is little information about the effect of antiviral drugs in pregnant women or their babies, no serious side effects have been reported. If you do think you have had a side effect to antiviral drugs, call your doctor right away.

· You may also wish to find a “flu buddy” to assist you in accessing medication in the event you become ill and unable to travel.

If you get the flu:

· Treat any fever right away with fever-reducing medicine such as Tylenol.

· Call your doctor to get your prescription for antiviral medication filled.

· Be careful not to cough or sneeze in the baby’s face.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water.

· Your doctor might ask you to wear a mask to keep from spreading this new virus to your baby.

Vaccines:

· It is recommended that pregnant women in their third trimester during flu season receive the seasonal flu vaccine when it is available (expected in early October).

· These women can also receive the H1N1 flu vaccine when it arrives in B.C. in November (or possibly earlier).

· The federal government has plans to buy some unadjuvanted H1N1 flu vaccine to offer to pregnant women, which is expected to be available at the same time as the other supplies of vaccine.

Breastfeeding:

· Mothers who are breastfeeding can continue to nurse their babies while being treated for the flu.

· A mother’s milk is made to fight diseases in her baby. This is really important in young babies when their immune system is still growing.

· Do not stop breastfeeding if you are ill; breastfeed early and often. Limit formula feeds if you can as this will help protect your baby from infection.

· If you are too sick to breastfeed, pump and have someone give the expressed milk to your baby.

You can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, 24 hours a day/seven days a week to speak to a nurse if you have more questions or are concerned about any illness/symptoms experienced by you or your children.

For the latest facts on the H1N1 flu virus, including back-to-school information, visit www.gov.bc.ca/h1n1.

5. WILL WEARING A MASK HELP?

For members of the general public:

· No. There is no need for members of the general public to purchase or wear masks in an attempt to protect themselves from the flu, seasonal or H1N1.

· In fact, for the general public, the benefits of wearing a mask remain unproven.

· If you have to travel outside the home while you have flu symptoms, wearing a simple surgical mask will help protect others from your coughing.

· The H1N1 flu virus is spread from person to person usually through respiratory droplets from someone who is coughing or sneezing, but there are more effective ways to protect yourself than wearing a mask:

o Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for 20 seconds;

o Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow;

o Stay two meters (six feet) away from people who are sick; and

o If you’re sick, stay home from school or work until you’re better.

For caregivers:

· Caregivers who are treating someone with the flu (seasonal or H1N1) and patients who have the flu and are being cared for would both benefit from wearing a mask, especially if the patient has a chronic underlying medical condition.

· If you are treating someone with the flu, the wearing of masks by affected persons will limit their ability to spread virus.

· For health professionals who are managing H1N1 influenza cases in health-care facilities, N95 respirators are only recommended for specific situations. Surgical masks are recommended for health-care workers as part of the national Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines.

6. Interior Region H1N1 Preparedness Checklist

If anyone is experiencing shortness of breath or having difficulty breathing, see a health professional right away

What should I do if there is a case in my community?

If there is a suspected H1N1 case in your community—Have the individual call your local health centre/health services office before going in for care. If anyone is experiencing shortness of breath or having difficulty breathing, see a health professional right away.

If there is a confirmed individual case in your community—Have that individual stay home if possible and in their own room, limiting contact with others as much as possible to avoid spread of the virus.

What should you do if there are multiple cases in your community?

If there are multiple confirmed cases in your community be in touch with your Medical Health Officer and resist holding community meetings or large gatherings where virus could spread.

If your community is experiencing multiple cases of H1N1 please contact:

Communicable Disease Unit phone: 1-866-778-7736

Medical Health Officer phone: 1-866-457-5648