H1N1 Influenza

Recognizing a Pandemic

There are different types of influenza. The three common types that have most recently been reflected in the media include seasonal, avian, and pandemic influenzas.

The seasonal influenza is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that is passed from person to person. The avian influenza is a group of influenza viruses that cause sickness and death in birds. The avian influenza strain has been circulating and killing poultry in Asia since 2004 and has been shown to cause illness in humans as well.

Pandemic influenza is a new strain of the virus that people have no protection, or immunity, against. It is spread easily from person to person and has caused illness in large numbers of those infected.

Seasonal Influenza is Here

Seasonal influenza is spread in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. The virus can be transferred from person to person or by touching objects that an infected person has touched (such as doorknobs, light switches, etc.) and then touching your mouth or nose.

Symptoms of influenza develop suddenly and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Body aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat

The influenza season usually runs from October through March. This year, the Alberta government is offering free seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccines to all Albertans six months and older. Immunizations are currently only available to "high risk" individuals, but when larger supplies of vaccine are received, mass immunizations will resume. High risk individuals include: pregnant women; children six months to less than five years of age; people under 65 with chronic health conditions; people living in remote and isolated communities and health care workers. For more information, please read Important News from the Government of Alberta.

Preparing for a Pandemic

While the majority of H1N1 infections have caused only mild illnesses in Alberta, it is important to stay alert in order to protect you and your family. Precautions to help prevent the spread of influenza include:

• Wash hands frequently, using soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer if soap is not readily available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth after touching objects that may be contaminated with influenza and other viruses.
• Cough or sneeze into your hand if tissues are not available, then wash hands promptly.
• Stay home when you are sick or have symptoms of influenza.
• Practice good health habits to keep your body strong and able to fight infection. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress and get adequate rest.
• Prior to travelling, check the Public Health Agency of Canada's website for up-to-date travel advisory information.

Life can change dramatically when a pandemic influenza strikes, so it is important to plan for the possibility of public services being disrupted. Working in an office setting may be difficult; working from home should be considered. Schools may be closed and public transportation may be interrupted; prepare backup plans such as home learning and alternate means of transportation (walking, cycling).

During a pandemic, stocking supplies of water, food, and medications for one to two weeks is recommended. Alberta Health suggests having an emergency kit containing:

• Bottled water (1-3 liters per day per person)
• Non-perishable food that is easy to prepare
• Medication (over-the-counter and prescription medications)
• First aid kit
• Light sources (flashlights, batteries, candles and matches)
• Battery operated radio
• Emergency contact names and numbers
• Other emergency supplies (additional clothing, cash, pet supplies)

For more information on H1N1, please click on the external links below.

Source:
World Health Organization
Alberta Health and Wellness
Alberta Health Services
Public Health Agency of Canada