Public Advisory: Update on Actions in Preparing for Human Swine Influenza

While there are still no confirmed cases of Human Swine Influenza in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Department of Health and Community Services is working to further inform health care providers and organizations about Human Swine Influenza.

The department has sent letters to the regional medical officers of health detailing current recommendations and practices. These letters are being distributed to community-based practitioners across the province to ensure they are kept apprised of the most current and accurate information concerning the virus and protocols. Additionally, current guidelines and protocols for health care professionals are being issued to regional health authorities and are available on the department�s website: www.gov.nl.ca/health.

For members of the general public, individuals who have returned from Mexico and have mild influenza symptoms are advised to contact their health care provider for advice and disclose recent travel history. Those individuals who have not been to Mexico and have mild influenza symptoms should treat their illness as any normal flu � stay at home, drink plenty of fluids, control the fever, get plenty of rest, etc.

Flu-like symptoms include fever, aches, tiredness and cough, and usually begin within two to three days of contact with the virus and almost always begin within five days.

For protection against influenza, individuals are reminded to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer; and cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their arm as opposed to the hands which frequently touch other surfaces and people. Individuals with mild symptoms of influenza are asked to stay home.

For the most recent travel advisories visit the Public Health Agency of Canada at
//www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/pub-eng.php. A toll-free public information line is also available Monday � Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). The number is 1-800-454-8302.

The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, and Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health, will be available to the media today at 12:45 p.m. outside the House of Assembly.

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Media contact:
Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca

2009 04 30                            9:45 a.m.