H1N1 virus information

1. What is H1N1 influenza virus?

H1N1 influenza virus is a new strain of the influenza virus which can be transmitted from person to person. New strains of seasonal influenza circulate every year in influenza season.

Source: www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/influenza-H1N1-questions.html

2. How does H1N1 influenza virus spread?

H1N1 influenza spreads from person to person through “droplets” that are released through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets can then be breathed in by others. In addition, the virus can be contacted through shaking hands that are contaminated with the virus, or touching a hard surface, such as a counter or doorknob that has been contaminated with the virus. A person becomes infected by then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Source: www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/influenza-H1N1-questions.html

3. What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza virus?

Symptoms of H1N1 influenza virus in Canada have been generally mild and are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza. Symptoms may include:

• Fever greater than 38C
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Lack of appetite
• Some people have also experienced runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Source: www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/influenza-H1N1-questions.html

4. What is the best way to prevent the spread of influenza?

• Wash you hands frequently using soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers are an excellent choice to use if hands are not visibly dirty. Use of hand sanitizers should not replace proper handwashing. > Click to read more
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hand.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after shaking hands or touching hard surfaces like counters and door handles or other surfaces that may harbour influenza and other viruses.
• If ill, stay home from work and avoid public places.
• Evidence shows that wearing masks is not effective in preventing the spread of influenza in the general public.

Source: www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/influenza-H1N1.html, NAIT OH&S

5. What should you do if you are concerned you have symptoms of H1N1 influenza virus?

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection with a fever greater than 38C and a cough, you should stay at home and practice self-care [PDF]. In particular, rest and avoid contact with others until your symptoms have gone away. Contact your supervisor or program chair.

• More about what to do

Source: www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/influenza-H1N1.html, NAIT OH&S

6. What is NAIT doing to plan for a possible pandemic?

NAIT has a Pandemic Plan [PDF]. NAIT takes it cues from Alberta Emergency Management.

Staff and students are encouraged to review their roles and responsibilities as laid out in section 3.0 of the Pandemic Plan. Also included in the plan is a department planning checklist (see Appendix A).

As part of our ongoing emergency planning, deans, directors, managers and supervisors are asked to complete the business planning checklist. OH&S consultants are available to meet with all departments, teams and groups to provide assistance completing the planning checklists. If you have any questions, contact OH&S at 780.471.8733.

Refer to www.nait.ca/h1n1 for the latest on pandemic planning at NAIT and for the NAIT response to the H1N1 flu virus

7. What should you do if you have recently been in Mexico?

NAIT is asking staff and students who return from Mexico to remain off work or out of class for a period of seven days following their return to Canada. This process is purely precautionary and will be reviewed regularly as further data arises with respect to the H1N1 influenza virus.

This period at home will provide an appropriate period for H1N1 flu virus symptoms to appear, should the staff member or student in fact be infected. Should the symptoms appear, an extension of the sick leave may be appropriate (medical evidence will be required at this point).

Those with a fever or cough associated with recent travel to Mexico should call Health Link Alberta at 780.408.LINK (5465) for more information.

• More about what to do

Staff who have returned from Mexico should contact their supervisors, and will be required to fill out a general illness form.

Students who have returned from Mexico within the past seven days should contact the program chair.

Should you have questions on the above, please direct your calls to NAIT Health Services at 780.471.8733.

8. What if you know someone who has symptoms of H1N1 influenza or who just returned from Mexico?

If you are well, no further action is needed. Monitor yourself for symptoms of influenza illness.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection with a fever greater than 38C and a cough, you should stay at home and practice self-care [PDF]. In particular, rest and avoid contact with others until your symptoms have gone away. Contact your supervisor or program chair.