H1N1

Family Physician Medical Director & Founder, NE Calgary

Women’s Clinic Medical Director, Mosaic Primary Care

Network NOT an H1N1 official or expert Parent with some background knowledge

Strain of the “swine influenza virus” Usually only affects pigs In Spring 2009, it emerged in people in

North America, human to human transmission

Because humans have little to no natural immunity to this virus, it can cause serious and widespread illness

Epidemic: An outbreak of disease that attacks many peoples at about the same time and may spread through one or several communities.

Pandemic: When an epidemic spreads throughout a large region; for instance a continent or worldwide

In the past, usually only affected pigs Because humans have little to no natural

immunity to this virus, it can cause serious and widespread illness

Affecting more young and healthy people than the regular seasonal flu

People with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women may be at a greater risk for severe illness

H1N1 Cases:Total number of hospitalized confirmed cases of pandemic H1N1

influenza Calgary and area 231 Alberta Total 615

H1N1 Deaths: Alberta 29 Canada Total 135

About 4000 deaths every year in Canada from Influenza Virus

Median age of hospitalized cases = 33 years. Median age of deaths = 46 years.Known underlying conditions are present in the majority of hospitalized

cases and deaths

*up to November 10, 2009

Hand washing Cough Etiquette Don’t touch eyes, nose, face General health care (eat well, rest, exercise)

High Risk; Those currently eligible for H1N1 immunization are:

Pregnant women Both parents, or one parent and one caregiver

of infants under six months of age; Children under 10 as of November 1 with

chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes); Children over six months and under five years

as of November 1 Health Care Workers New groups being announced daily

On November 12 and ongoing, new groups being added include:

People with chronic conditions aged 55 to 64 as of November 1;

People with chronic conditions aged 10–17 as of November 1. (Combined with the group added November 6, this group ranges from 5 to 17).

On November 13 and ongoing, immunization groups will expand to include:

People with chronic conditions aged 45–54 as of November 1. (Combined with the group added November 12, this group will range from 45 to 64.)

How long for vaccine to be effective? Is it safe? Is it effective? Do I need seasonal flu shot too? What if I think I already had H1N1 in spring? Have you been immunized for H1N1? Do you plan to vaccinate your children?

How is it spread? What are the symptoms? What is the incubation period? How long is person contagious? How is it diagnosed? Do people with symptoms need to be

tested? Should I get Tamiflu if I get symptoms? Should I wear a mask?

Cough Fever Muscle ache Lethargy Decreased appetite May include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Is it a flu vs. cold? Do I have any underlying risk factors? Are my symptoms mild or significant?

Stay home Tylenol Call Health Link 403 943 LINK (5465) Influenza Assessment Centre or Emergency

Department

www.albertahealthservices.ca Public Health Agency of Canada Government of Alberta

www.health.alberta.ca Health Link 403 943 5465