Planning for potential H1N1 influenza outbreak

Global experts believe the world is long overdue for an influenza pandemic – a disaster that would occur when a strain of the flu virus changes in composition, becomes highly contagious and spreads worldwide.

All levels of government – including the City of Kitchener -- are currently responding to the threat of a pandemic by developing strategies for dealing with the effects a pandemic could have on the community – as well as the way the corporation itself functions.

The city has created a pandemic plan that would serve as a step-by-step guide for city officials to follow during a pandemic.

Included in the plan are mitigating strategies such as:

• Educate/practise good hygiene/hand washing
• Restrict workplace entry of people with influenza symptoms;
• Increase social distancing (e.g. enable tele-working, avoid face-to-face contact);
• Work from home

The city’s plan serves as a step-by-step guide for city officials to follow during a pandemic. The plan includes information on how the city would protect staff and the public should a pandemic strike; as well as procedures the city would follow to ensure essential municipal services continue to be delivered to the community.

Facts about the H1N1 Influenza A virus:

• A respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular seasonal flu;
• Symptoms include: fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, and sore throat. Some people with human swine influenza have also reported vomiting and diarrhea;
• It is believed to spread the same way any other influenza virus spreads, mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

With recent speculation that a H1N1 influenza pandemic may hit this fall, the city is preparing to implement its own pandemic plan if necessary.

The city will also continue to work closely with the Region of Waterloo Public Health department, which is monitoring the potential for a pandemic in this area.

Tips for avoiding exposure to the flu

As the flu season approaches, it is a good idea to get in the habit of taking the following daily precautions:

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or cough into “the crook of your elbow” if you don’t have a tissue;  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizers are also effective;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread easily that way;
• If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, the public-health department recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them;
• If your symptoms worsen contact your health-care practitioner.