H1N1 flu update

We thank Cramahe Township Bylaw Officer, Jim Harris, for sending us this update from the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit on the H1N1 flu situation.

Pandemic (H1N1) influenza activity in HKPR District

Influenza activity in HKPR District Health Unit continues to increase and is now high and widespread. Between October 18 and 24, the Health Unit received reports of 8 laboratory-confirmed cases of Pandemic (H1N1) influenza.

The number of people in the community who have influenza is likely considerably higher than indicated by laboratory-confirmed cases because most people with influenza do not need to see their health care provider, and for most people testing is not recommended.

Across the province, 16% of all nose samples taken in people with respiratory illness came back positive for the Pandemic (H1N1) strain.

Another indicator that provides further insight into the level of influenza activity in the community is the proportion of patients visiting emergency rooms or doctors’ offices due to symptoms of fever and respiratory illness. In Ontario, more hospitalized cases were reported from October 14 to October 21 as compared to October 7 to October 14 (32 compared to 20).

Locally,reported hospitalization has increased in week 41. Elementary school absenteeism also appears to be increasing and further suggests that influenza activity in our community is increasing.

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HKPR District Health Unit Response

Pandemic (H1N1) influenza vaccine:
There is a limited pandemic (H1N1) influenza vaccine available at this time, the amount that the Health Unit will receive each week is uncertain but nothing is firm at this point.

The first shipment of vaccine contained 8,000 doses, which had to be re-packaged as per requirements of the Federal Government's Vaccine Regulator. The Health Unit has scheduled mass-immunization clinics for people in the first phase considered to be the most at risk of developing complications due to H1N1 virus. For the most recent information on clinics schedule and high risk group please go to http://www.hkpr.on.ca/topics-master.asp?id=3884

Pandemic (H1N1) surveillance:

The Health Unit is currently collecting elementary school absenteeism data from one of our school boards (the others are working towards providing us with the data); we are receiving phone calls from school principals who have absenteeism rates higher than 10%; the Health Unit four local hospitals have provided information regarding cases of influenza like illness seen in their emergency departments. For the most recent update of our surveillance information please go to http://www.hkpr.on.ca/topics-master.asp?id=3793

Ontario Influenza Bulletin:

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/pubhealth/flu/flu_09/bulletins/flu_bul_01_2009102
3.pdf
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Virus
Update # 13

Pandemic (H1N1) communication:

The Health Unit has set up a call centre.

The website is updated on a daily basis (http://www.hkpr.on.ca/)


PEOPLE AT HIGHER RISK FOR COMPLICATIONS

You are at higher risk for complications if you are:
• less than 5 years of age
• 65 years of age and over
• pregnant or had a baby in the past 4 weeks
• very overweight

Or, if you have medical conditions including:
• lung problems, including asthma
• heart problems
• diabetes
• cancer
• problems with your immune system caused by
disease or medications, including HIV
• kidney disease
• problems with your blood, such as anemia
• neurologic problems
• less than 18 years of age and taking daily
• aspirin

If you are at higher risk for complications, consult your health care provider as soon as symptoms develop. If you have no health care provider, go to a walk-in clinic.
Inform your health care provider that you have symptoms of influenza before or as soon as you arrive so that proper precautions can be taken to prevent spread to others.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT Influenza activity in HKPR District during week 43 is similar
when compared to the previous week.
Keep checking the hkpr website:
Information on our website is regularly updated. News on the Pandemic (H1N1) influenza vaccine and clinic schedules will be posted there when they are available. Visit www.hkpr.on.ca

For additional information, please contact the Health Unit Call Centre at 1-866-888-4577