H1N1 Case Summary as of Sept 4, 2009

• Thunder Bay District = 10 cases
• Ontario = 4,053 cases, 23 deaths
• Canada = 1441 hospitalized cases, 72 deaths
• Testing confirms that the H1N1 virus is currently the predominant strain of influenza in Ontario

H1N1 Vaccine Testing

An accelerated approval process is in place to ensure there is a safe, effective vaccine available as quickly as possible.  Clinical trials for the H1N1 vaccine are set to begin in Canada in mid October.

H1N1 Priority Groups

The federal, provincial and territorial governments are currently working on H1N1 vaccine priority groups. Factors being weighed include: the characteristics of the illness and the vaccine, its spread and severity among different populations and the logistics of administering the vaccine.  The vaccine priority guidelines are expected in September.

New Website: Thunderbayflu.ca

The Health Unit is developing a new website for the 2009 flu season to provide flu facts, clinic schedules, prevention messages, resources and news updates. Thunderbayflu.ca will be up by the end of September.

Flu Campaign

Ontario’s Ministry of Health will be starting a flu campaign mid-September using the slogan: “This Year it’s a Different Flu Season.”  The campaign runs until early 2010 and is designed to:

• educate Ontarians of the unique flu season
• reach high-risk populations and target sectors
• increase compliance with infection control, prevention behaviours and immunization

One phase of the campaign will include materials & resources for health care workers to encourage patients & clients to find out if H1N1 is right for them. The Health Unit campaign will begin in October include a flu schedule flyer drop, print ads and posters.

Resources Available to Community Groups

The Health Unit has advised daycares, workplaces, faith communities, colleges and universities that resources (posters, guidance documents, factsheets, etc.) specific to their needs are available on our website. Visit thunderbayflu.ca to view the resources.

Key Flu 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 both your flu shots – seasonal flu clinics start in October and H1N1 flu clinics will likely begin in late November or early December.

End.