Getting ready for fall flu season

Hand washing is important to limit the spread of infection.

While the H1N1 influenza situation remains relatively stable in Nova Scotia, there is a likelihood a second wave of infection may occur in the fall.

The previously reported precautions and recommendations remain true.

• Individuals should take everyday preventive actions. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. (Hand washing info, PDF) 
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners and sanitizers are also effective. Hand sanitizer stations have been set up in approximately 50 locations throughout Dalhousie's three campuses and additional stations are planned.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who appears sick.
• If ill, stay home from work or school, limit contact with others

A Communicable Illnesses Task Force has been formulating the university’s response to the potential threat of the H1N1 Influenza virus. The task force has recommended more thorough cleaning of university facilities, providing hand sanitizer stations and considering a vaccination program when vaccines become available. Wearing masks or gloves is not recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada, except in the case of health care workers directly involved in the treatment of infected patients. 

When vaccines become available in the fall, there will likely be one vaccination for the regular seasonal flu (regular flu shot) and two additional  injections for the H1N1 strain. Unfortunately it appears that these cannot be offered together.

The most recent update from Canada's Chief Public Health Officer and the Public
Health Agency of Canada can be found at:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/08/19/swine-flu-schools.html?ref=rss

Regular updates can be found at the following websites:

• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Health Canada
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The university will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further updates on a dedicated Dalhousie website location as the situation develops.

Ray Ilson is the director of Dalhousie's Office of Environmental Health & Safety.