H1N1 Pandemic Information

Division Pandemic Plan

 

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is part of a community- wide response to the H1N1 influenza virus in our community. We are preparing for a second wave of cases to occur during the fall-winter flu season. Our primary concern during the pandemic is the well-being of our students and staff.

 

Read our Pandemic Preparedness Plan here.

 

Prevention

 

How to properly wash your hands - Government of Saskatchewan

 

Five simple ways to stop the spread of H1N1 - Poster - Saskatoon Health Region

 

Influenza action plan for high-risk children - Saskatoon Health Region

 

Caring for someone who is ill

 

Is it a cold, allergy or the flu? - Goverment of Saskatchewan

 

List of symptoms and actions to take - Government of Saskatchewan

 

Information for parents when caring for sick children - Government of Saskatchewan

 

Immunization

 

Clinics for H1N1 vaccine - Saskatoon Health Region

 

H1N1 Influenza Immunization - Government of Saskatchewan

 

Other links

 

Government of Canada - FightFlu.ca

 

Government of Saskatchewan - Influenza Update

 

Saskatoon Health Region - Pandemic influenza home page

 

Hotlines

People with questions or concerns are encouraged to call HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002 to speak with a registered nurse.

For up-to-date health alerts and more information see FightFlu or call 1-800-454-8302 (Public Health Agency of Canada).

 

Common questions about H1N1 pandemic influenza

 

(Source: Saskatchewan Ministry of Health website)

 

What is H1N1 Influenza Virus?

• H1N1 refers to a subtype of influenza A viruses. This is a genetic mix of viruses that causes respiratory illness.

 

What is a Pandemic?

• A pandemic is when there is widespread transmission of the virus from person to person in several countries throughout the world.
• A pandemic refers to the levels of virus activity and not the severity of the disease.

 

What is the situation for H1N1 in Saskatchewan?

• There is currently a low level of the influenza activity circulating within the community.
• It is expected that there will be an increase in the number of people becoming sick with H1N1 during the fall and winter, which is typical in the flu season.

 

How is H1N1 spread?

H1N1 influenza is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza.

• It can be spread directly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. 
• It can be spread indirectly by touching contaminated items then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. 
• Transmission is most likely to occur during the first few days of obvious illness. It is recommended that persons who are ill with influenza symptoms should stay home from work or school and limit contact with others and not return to routine activities outside the home until they are symptom free.
• Influenza is a respiratory illness and cannot be spread through food.

 

How do I protect myself from getting H1N1?

There are very simple but effective measures that everyone can use to reduce their risk of getting sick.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue, throw the tissue away in the garbage and wash hands, or cough and sneeze into your arm.
• Clear shared surfaces frequently, such as telephones, computer keyboards, door handles etc.
• Stay two metres or six feet away from a coughing or ill person if you are able.
• Stay home if you are ill with mild to moderate symptoms.

 

What are the symptoms?

• Sudden onset of fever and cough.
• There may also be sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, fatigue or weakness.
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea may be present and fever may not be prominent.

 

How serious is H1N1 influenza?

• Most H1N1 illness to date in Saskatchewan and Canada has been mild to moderate.
• Severity can range from mild to severe and appears to be more severe in people with underlying illnesses including chronic lung diseases, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, immune deficiency, and in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

 

When should I go see a doctor?

You do NOT need to see a doctor if your symptoms are mild or moderate.

You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have:

• difficulty breathing
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• severe or persistent vomiting
• Adults - high fever that lasts more than two days
• Children - severe tiredness
• confusion or difficulty waking an ill person

If you do visit your doctor, you will not necessarily be tested to confirm you have the H1N1 strain of influenza.

 

Is there treatment for H1N1 Influenza?

Antivirals -

• Antivirals are a prescription medication that help to reduce symptoms, shorten the length of illness and reduce the risk of complications.
• They should be taken after onset of symptoms - up to and including after 48 hours of onset of symptoms.
• Antivirals should only be given if symptoms are moderate to severe, or if influenza symptoms occur in individuals with underlying illness.

Vaccine - 

• A vaccine will produce immunity to the disease.
• A Pandemic H1N1 vaccine will be available by November.
• One dose of the H1N1 vaccine will likely be required.
• It will be available free to everyone who wants it throughout Saskatchewan.
• The clinics will be run by the health regions and some larger employers. Watch for information about clinics in your area.