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As the H1N1 flu virus (human swine influenza) continues to
make headlines in the media, we know you probably have questions
and concerns. The following links contain information to help
you better understand and respond to the situation.
For recent updates, visit these
websites:
This site will provide information about
South Shore Health's planning and response activities and other
information that you may find useful.
News
H1N1 vaccine to
be offered in schools
Flu Assessment Centre Closing
Hospitals to reopen to visitors
Hours reduced at Flu Assessment Centre
Updated H1N1 Vaccine
Clinic Schedule
Vaccine Clinics include
expanded risk groups
Vaccine
for pregnant women at South Shore Regional Hospital
Temporary
Services Reductions in place at South Shore Health
South Shore Health announces changes to community vaccine
schedule
South Shore Health to open Flu Assessment Clinic
South Shore Health Launches H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Clinics
Publications
Influenza Decision
Chart
South Shore Health
H1N1 Bulletin Your Flu
Plan
Caring for someone ill with the
flu
Community Presentation
Other
Resources
South Shore Health Pandemic Procedure - Summary Document Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a pandemic?
A pandemic is the worldwide outbreak
of a specific disease.
What is an influenza pandemic?
People are exposed to different strains of the
influenza virus many times during their lives. Even though the
virus changes, previous bouts of influenza may offer some
protection against similar strains of the virus. However, three
to four times each century, for unknown reasons, a radical
change takes place in the influenza A virus causing a new strain
to emerge.
Since people have no protection against the new
strain, it can spread rapidly around the world, causing what is
known as a pandemic. Pandemics can vary greatly in severity. The
last three pandemics occurred in 1918-19, 1957-58 and 1968-69.
What is
H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza)?
H1N1 (Human Swine
Influenza) is a respiratory
illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular
human seasonal influenza.
What are
the symptoms of H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza)?
The symptoms of H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza)
are fever and/or cough and one or more of the following:
- Unusual tiredness
- Sore throat
- Head/muscle/joint
aches
- Vomiting and diarrhea
(in children under 5 years of age)
What’s the difference between the
regular flu and H1N1?
The symptoms of H1N1 and the regular flu
are similar. Both are contagious. If you have symptoms of the
flu you must stay home and call your manager and Occupational
Health.
How can I
prevent spreading or picking up H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza)?
- Wash your hands with
soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer.
- Cough and sneeze in
your arm or sleeve or use a tissue.
- Clean and disinfect
contact surfaces such as phones, tables and door knobs
frequently
- Keep doing what you
normally do, but stay home when you are sick.
- Do not share drinking
glasses, eating utensils, or other items that have contact
with saliva such as lipsticks or water bottles.
- Get the H1N1 vaccine
when it becomes available
What
should I do if I have symptoms of H1N1?
People with symptoms of H1N1 should stay home and minimize
contact with others until they are feeling well and able to
resume normal day-to-day activities. The recommendation for
health care workers continues to be to stay home for seven days
after symptoms begin. Last Updated: September 23, 2009 |
