One New Case of the H1N1 Flu Virus in the Thunder Bay District

• The Health Unit is confirming one new case of the H1N1 flu virus in the Thunder Bay area.
• This case involves a child who is not hospitalized.

H1N1 Confirmed Case Summary at October 2, 2009:

• Thunder Bay District - 11 cases
• Ontario - 373 hospitalized cases, 24 deaths
• Canada - 1467 hospitalized cases, 78 deaths

How the Vaccines will be Distributed

Step 1: First, in October, the seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for people 65 & over and those living in long term care facility.

Step 2: Next, in November, the H1N1 vaccine will first be offered to individuals based on risk (pregnant women, health care workers, chronic illness, children under 5).  After that, it will be offered to anyone who needs or wants it.

Step 3: Finally, later in the year or early in 2010, the seasonal flu vaccine will be available to anyone else who wants it. The reasons for this are:

• H1N1 is the predominant flu strain circulating in Canada at this time, so it makes sense to focus on delivering the H1N1 vaccine to anyone who wants or needs it.
• Unpublished studies suggest a link between receiving the seasonal flu shot and getting H1N1 flu. The Ministry of Health is delaying seasonal flu vaccine for the majority of the population while it awaits more information about the studies.
• People over 65 may have immunity to H1N1. However, they continue to be at high risk of becoming very ill from the seasonal flu. Vaccinating them against seasonal flu makes sense.

Health Unit Responds to Enquiries About the Use of Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers (ABHS)

• The Health Unit has been receiving enquiries from the public about the use of ABHS.
• The Thunder Bay District Health Unit supports the use of a 60-90% alcohol-based hand sanitizer when used properly.
• This product should be used in situations where hand washing facilities are not available and when hands are not visibly soiled.
• Non-alcohol, waterless antiseptic agents should not be used for hand hygiene as there is no evidence to support the effectiveness of these products.
• However, community members are asked to refer to and follow the policies on alcohol-based hand sanitizers provided by worksites, schools, businesses and any other public or private sector organization that they are in contact with.