Information

June 29, 2009
For Immediate Release

H1N1 Flu Virus: Background on Government Actions

The Government of Canada is taking action on a number of fronts, including:

Public Information:

• Print and transit ads that provide Canadians with information and advice appeared in major daily newspapers across Canada, as well as newspapers in First Nations and Inuit communities;
• Information is available online at www.fightflu.ca.  Frequently asked questions have been posted to the Public Health Agency of Canada website at www.phac.gc.ca;
• In addition to posting regular updates and guidance for the public, health professionals and travellers on its website (www.fightflu.gc.ca), the Public Health Agency of Canada continues to make its information more easily accessible via Internet searches on Google, and is also disseminating its recommendations through a variety of social media tools including Facebook, Twitter, and others;
• A 1-800 information line(1-800-454-8302), continues to be available five days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) where Canadians can get more information;
• Public health guidance documents continue to be provided to health care professionals based on our current knowledge of the virus.
• In April 2009, the Government of Canada launched a public awareness campaign to inform Canadians about the H1N1 flu virus. The campaign consists of public health notices which were placed in daily and weekly newspapers including print media reaching First Nations and Inuit audiences.
• Public health notices have been sent to First Nations and Inuit leadership such as Band Council Offices, Chiefs, Hamlets, Co-ops and Northern stores, Inuit organizations, and to over 1,400 Aboriginal Health Organizations including addiction programs, community health representatives, healing lodges, health access centres, health education programs, hospitals, and nursing stations.
  

Public Health Action:

• Heightened disease surveillance that involves constantly assessing the information that comes to us from all sources, and using it to inform our future actions;
• Providing medical and epidemiological support to areas experiencing outbreaks, including First Nations and Inuit communities;
• Ensuring that the National Antiviral Stockpile can be mobilized quickly so Canadians can receive the treatment they need;
• Working with vaccine manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline to advance the process of developing and testing a vaccine in accordance with a pre-established standing contract;
• Managing the National Emergency Stockpile System (NESS) which contains hospital supplies, equipment and other pharmaceuticals (including a stockpile of anti-viral medication);
• Ongoing assessment of the implementation of community-based strategies aimed at mitigating potential impact on the healthcare system and society as whole;
• Ongoing coordinating and information-sharing among federal, provincial and territorial health authorities, as well as international partners including the World Health Organization;
• Working with national professional organizations and non-government organizations to optimize and monitor essential health-related resources such as: medical supplies, antivirals, vaccines, sanitizers and antibiotics, health care worker availability, hospital occupancy/availability, and use of alternative health facilities.

First Nations

• Additional medical staff are being sent to First Nations communities as needed and staffing levels are being closely monitored to ensure that adequate care is available at all times.  Nursing station staff are following provincial care guidelines for respiratory illness.
• Antivirals have been allocated on a per capita basis to all provinces and territories, and the per capita count includes First Nations on reserve.
• Supplies of antivirals are being stockpiled in nursing stations in remote and isolated First Nations communities to be used for treatment if they are needed.
• Epidemiologists are studying the virus and how it’s spreading in First Nation communities.  
• We are working closely with First Nation partners and the provinces to help First Nation communities implement their pandemic plans.

Information for Travellers:

• A travel health advisory has been issued advising Canadians on the precautions they should take when travelling outside of North America;
• Information and advice for travellers has been distributed to airports and border crossings across Canada;

International efforts to address the H1N1 flu virus:

The Government of Canada has worked closely with the American and Mexican governments and the World Health Organization since the beginning of this outbreak, and remains committed to continued collaboration in the global effort to address the H1N1 flu virus. To date, Canada has made the following contributions.

• Scientists at the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory decoded the genetic make-up of the H1N1 flu virus. This marks a significant achievement that will allow Canadian and international scientists to learn more about the virus and how its spreads.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada provided assistance to Mexico by testing H1N1 flu virus specimens in its National Microbiology Laboratory.
• Canadian laboratory scientists and epidemiologists were sent to Mexico in April and May to help Mexican officials investigate the outbreak.
• Through its international network of embassies and consulates, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is actively providing consular assistance and support to Canadian citizens abroad.

Screening and Border Security:

• Quarantine Officers continue to assess ill travellers, and provide advice and direction when treatment is needed.

The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer.
• Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve.
• Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if sick.
• Seek medical attention only when your symptoms worsen.
• Check the www.fightflu.ca for more information.
• Check www.voyage.gc.ca for travel notices and advisories.
• Talk to a health professional if you experience flu-like symptoms.