H1N1 Confirmed Case Summary:

• Thunder Bay District, 11 cases
• Ontario = 379 hospitalized cases, 24 deaths
• Canada = 1479 hospitalized cases, 79 deaths

Hand Hygiene Recommendations for Remote and Isolated Communities

A new guidance document released by the Public Health Agency of Canada this week recognizes that there is considerable variation in the type of water delivery systems available to Canadians. Availability of clean water can influence normal daily activities such as hand washing and 80% of common infections, including influenza, can be spread by contaminated hands.

This document was developed to provide recommendations and direction to public health authorities, community leaders and the general public on community hand hygiene practices when running water is available, when running water is not available, and when clean water is not available.  This document also contains information on the use of alcohol-based hand rubs in situations indicated. 

The “Hand Hygiene Recommendations for Remote and Isolated Communities” guidance document can be found at:     

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/public/handhygiene-eng.php

Reminder of Seasonal Flu Clinic Launch

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. at the West Thunder Community Centre in Thunder Bay, the Health Unit will be kicking off its 2009 flu clinic program with a “Seasonal Flu” clinic targeted to people aged 65 and older.  Dr. Sam Graham, Acting Medical Officer of Health for the District of Thunder Bay will receive the first flu shot of the season.