One New Case of the H1N1 Flu Virus in the Thunder Bay District
- The Health Unit is confirming 1 new case of the H1N1 flu virus in the District of Thunder Bay.
- The case involved a child from an outlying community.
H1N1 Confirmed Case Summary:
- Thunder Bay District = 10 cases (as of Aug. 28/09)
- Ontario = 4037 cases, 22 deaths (as of Aug. 19/09)
- Most illness has been mild.
- Testing carried out to date has confirmed that the H1N1 virus is currently the predominant circulating strain of influenza in Ontario.
Two Vaccines This Year
- This year it’s a different flu season because there will be two flu vaccines:
- One for the seasonal flu and
- One for H1N1 flu.
- Seasonal flu clinics will begin in October. H1N1 flu clinics will begin later in the year, depending on when the vaccine is delivered to health units.
- Priority groups for the H1N1 flu vaccine have not yet been identified by the Ministry of Health. The Ministry expects to identify priority groups by mid-September.
Government funding announced
- The Government of Canada announced two key initiatives to support healthcare professionals in treating and preventing H1N1 flu virus infections in Canada. The two initiatives are:
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The Public Health Agency of Canada is mobilizing public health officials, intensive care specialists and medical experts from Canada and abroad to meet in Winnipeg next week to share and discuss best practices for treating severe H1N1 infections.
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The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research are providing an additional $2.7 million to the Influenza Research Network to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the pandemic vaccine, as well as to monitor and evaluate vaccine implementation programs.
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For more information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website (Latest Updates, August 27, 2009)
Key Prevention Messages:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based (>60% alcohol) hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Disinfect commonly used surfaces and avoid touching your face.
- Stay home from school or work if you are sick. This will help prevent spreading illnesses to others.
- Get the flu shot(s).
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