H1N1 Flu Virus: Background on Government Actions

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

Public Information:

• In April 2009, the Government of Canada launched the Citizen Readiness Campaign to inform Canadians about the H1N1 flu virus. The  first phase of the campaign consisted of public health notices which were placed in daily and weekly newspapers including print media reaching First Nations and Inuit audiences.

• This Fall, PHAC will be continuing the Citizen Readiness Campaign. The campaign will be tailored to give Canadians the information they need, such as infection prevention, personal and family preparedness and immunization.

 

• The latest information on H1N1 flu virus is available online at www.fightflu.ca.  Frequently asked questions have been posted to the Public Health Agency of Canada website at www.publichealth.gc.ca,;

• In addition to posting regular updates and guidance for the public, health professionals and travellers on its website (www.publichealth.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 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:

• The Public Health Agency of Canada, along with provinces and territories, has implemented heightened disease surveillance for flu-like illness. Weekly FluWatch reports are published every Friday at 4 p.m. at www.publichealth.gc.ca, as well as updates on H1N1-related deaths every Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m.

 

• PHAC is providing medical and epidemiological support to areas experiencing outbreaks, including First Nations and Inuit communities;

• Working with federal/provincial/territorial partners, the Government of Canada is ensuring the National Antiviral Stockpile can be mobilized quickly so Canadians can receive the treatment they need;

 

• The Government of Canada recently announced its intention to purchase 50.4 million doses of H1N1 vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline. This purchase will ensure enough vaccine is available for all Canadians who need and want it.

• The Government of Canada continues to  manage the National Emergency Stockpile System (NESS) which contains hospital supplies, equipment and other pharmaceuticals (including a stockpile of anti-viral medication);

 

• PHAC continues to coordinate information-sharing among federal, provincial and territorial health authorities, as well as international partners including the World Health Organization.

• The Government of Canada is collaborating 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.

 

• PHAC, in partnership with provinces and territories, is assessing the implementation of community-based strategies aimed at mitigating potential impact on the healthcare system and society as whole;

First Nations

• The Government of Canada provides for, or supports, the delivery of community-based health programs on reserve and in Inuit communities, as well as the provision of drug, dental and ancillary health services to First Nations and Inuit regardless of residence.

 

• Primary healthcare services are provided on reserve in remote and isolated areas where provincial services are not readily available.

• 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 pre-positioned 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 is spreading in First Nation communities.  

• The Government of Canada is working closely with First Nation partners and the provinces to help First Nation communities implement their pandemic plans.

 

Information and Support for Essential Services

• Public health guidance documents continue to be provided to health care professionals based on our current knowledge of the virus.
• Additional guidance documents have been prepared for transportation operators, schools, daycares, post-secondary institutions and summer camps.
• The Government of Canada has provided $926,600 to the International Centre for Infectious Diseases to help small and medium businesses prepare business continuity plans for pandemic.

Information for Travellers:

• Information and advice for travellers has been distributed to airports and border crossings across Canada;

 

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.
• Talk to a health professional if you experience flu-like symptoms.