Thunder Bay District Health Unit : H1N1 Flu Virus - Media Update

August 14, 2009

Two New Cases of the H1N1 Flu Virus in the Thunder Bay District

The Health Unit is confirming two new cases of the H1N1 flu virus in the District of Thunder Bay. Both cases involve children from an outlying community. These two new cases bring the total to seven in the Thunder Bay District.

H1N1 Confirmed Case Summary as of August 14, 2009:

Health Canada Announces Support of Aboriginal Traditional Healing and Medicine

This week, Health Canada acknowledged the role of culture and tradition as integral components for First Nation health and well-being, including as part of efforts to combat H1N1. The value of traditional healing is respected and Health Canada is continuing to work towards comprehensive and holistic approaches to addressing H1N1 that draw from both clinical and traditional practices. For some communities, pandemic planning includes the use of both traditional and clinical approaches.
While designing the delivery of health care services, including influenza pandemic planning, planners at all levels of government are urged to consider culture, language and traditional knowledge, the concept of family and the use of traditional medicine as components that can influence the health and well-being of on-reserve First Nations.

Government of Canada Offers Pandemic Plan Help to Businesses

This week, the federal government awarded a $926,000 contract to help small and medium-sized businesses respond to the H1N1 flu pandemic. The Public Health Agency of Canada awarded the contract to the non-profit International Centre for Infectious Disease, located in Winnipeg.
Solid continuity plans will help small businesses to respond quickly and more effectively to the pandemic as well as other possible crises. The funding is intended to assess organizational capacity and put processes in place early enough to help organizations maintain operation throughout the pandemic or other events. The extensive communication program is designed to reach over 300,000 Canadian businesses.

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 like door knobs, telephones, keyboards and light switches.
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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