TAIBUCHC

Information on H1N1

Yes, we are in the midst of an H1N1 pandemic. Television and radio news have been filled with stories and messages about this virus. During the past weeks at TAIBU we have been busy immunizing members of our community with the vaccine to prevent H1N1. We are proceeding with vaccinating our high priority populations. When we receive approval from Toronto Public Health, we will be opening the vaccinations appointments to the entire community. If you answer yes to any of the following questions you are at high risk:

1. Are you between 6 months of age and 65 years of age and suffer from any of the following illnesses:
1. cardiac disease
2. Asthma or other chronic chest disease
3. Diabetes
4. Cancer
5. HIV positive
6. Organ transplant
7. Kidney disease
8. Blood disorder
1. Anemia
2. Sickle cell disease
3. Thalassemia
9. Morbid Obesity (a BMI > 40. E.g. if you are 5’4” and weigh more than 230 lbs. or are 5’10” and weigh more than 275 lbs.
10. A neuromuscular or cognitive disorder
1. MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
2. MD (Muscular Dystrophy)
3. Previous stroke
2. Are you less than 5 years of age?
3. Are you less than 18 years of age and on long tern aspirin therapy?
4. Are you pregnant or less than 4 weeks post partum?
5. Are you a health care worker?

What is Influenza?

It is a viral respiratory infection that is much worse than a cold. You may experience a cough, fever, chills, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. This year we have a new strain of influenza called H1N1. The symptoms are the same as the usual seasonal flu although some children have also been experiencing vomiting and diarrhea as well as the other symptoms. Most people will recover from this virus in a few days, but some will develop a more serious illness. Infants and children, pregnant woman and people with other health problems are more likely to become seriously ill and require hospitalization.

Influenza is highly contagious
This virus is spread by coughing and sneezing. Touching contaminated objects or unwashed hands and then touching your eyes, mouth or nose can cause you to become infected. People who have the virus are contagious 24 hours before they begin to show symptoms of the illness and even after they are no longer sick they continue to have the virus and can infect others.

How to protect yourself

• Get the H1N1 vaccine. Protect yourself for 2 weeks after receiving the injection as it takes your body that long to create antibodies to the virus. The vaccine cannot give you influenza. Some people can receive the vaccine and not develop antibodies and will develop flu when they are exposed to the virus. Children receiving flu vaccine for the first time require 2 doses to develop immunity. The vaccine is safe for women who are breast feeding.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water
• Use hand sanitizer when available
• Cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or a tissue. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
• Stay home when you are ill and avoid socializing.
• Keep the surfaces around you at home and work clean and disinfect at least once a day

Side Effects of the H1N1 Vaccine
Serious side effects are very rare. Some people will experience soreness, swelling and redness at the spot where the injection was given. Others can experience muscle soreness and fever which usually passes in a day or two. After you have the vaccine the doctor or nurse will ask you to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes as most serious allergic reactions occur shortly after the needle is given. If you are already ill with a fever it is advisable to wait and have your injection when you are feeling better.