Taking Care of Ourselves and Our Families during the H1N1 Flu Virus

Stressful events, such as disease outbreaks, can challenge our coping skills, especially if a loved one is sick. It is important to note that, as with the seasonal flu, some people who get the H1N1 flu will have mild illness while others may become very sick. It is important to know that our research indicates that only 35% of Canadians will become ill with the H1N1 flu. The overwhelming majority of people who do become ill recover fairly quickly.

Feelings and Reactions to Stressful Events

People have different reactions to stressful events such as disease outbreak. Stressful events can:

• Affect us emotionally. You may feel helpless, worried, anxious or confused.
• Affect our thinking. It may be hard to concentrate or to stop thinking about the H1N1 flu virus or worrying about your health.
• Affect our sense of safety. You may tend to be overprotective of family members, especially children.

These reactions are normal in stressful situations.

How You Can Help

• It’s okay to stay informed but avoid watching or reading too much media coverage about the H1N1 flu as it can give you an exaggerated view of the risks associated with the H1N1 flu. Limit watching the news to once or twice a day.
• Take time to relax, be physically active, eat healthy foods, get enough sleep and spend time with family and friends. This is important for your physical health and your mental health.
• Talk with friends, family members, co-workers, teachers or leaders of your faith community.
• Go about your daily routine and maintain family routines such as mealtimes.
• Comfort and help family and friends who are sick. If a family member or a friend has the H1N1 flu, think of ways you can support them, such as preparing and delivering a meal for them or picking up their medication.
• Take action to protect yourself. Get the H1N1 flu vaccine, wash your hands often with soap and warm water, cough and sneeze into your arm and stay home when sick. Taking these steps to protect yourself can help you feel more in control of the situation.

For more information about coping with stressful situations, visit the Canadian Psychological Association’s online resource centre, check with your municipal/local public health unit or provincial/territorial government or talk to your health care provider.