Fighting the flu
With all the information about H1N1 and seasonal flu flying around like the virus itself, the situation seems a little confusing.
So here's some straightforward information.
If you're waiting around for a flu shot clinic, there won't be any in the near future, said Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, associate medical officer of health for the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
The current plan for vaccines — H1N1 and seasonal flu — begins in October. That month the seasonal flu vaccine will be available to those 65 years old and up. In November, the switch will be made to the H1N1 vaccine for people six months old to 65 years old. However, depending on how much is available, it might be doled out based on high-risk cases and children first. Finally, in December the seasonal flu vaccine will be available for those between six months and 65 years old.
One of the central concerns as vaccine and flu season approaches is the rumour that if you received the seasonal flu vaccine last year, you are more susceptible to contracting H1N1 this year.
In Canada, there are four research groups forwarding this idea. But this study has not been confirmed — it has yet to go under peer review or be published, said Warshawsky.
Furthermore, the idea that washing your hands does nothing to prevent the flu because it's most likely caught from inhaling it should be taken with a grain of salt, she added.
“Hand washing does decrease the risk of getting respiratory viruses in general,” said Warshawsky.
Fanshawe College has also been readying itself for the onslaught of viruses.
“Our focus is on awareness and prevention,” said Leanne Perreault, manager of corporate communications for the college.
With posters plastered everywhere, as well as hand sanitizer pumps, the college wants students to be aware of their own health. There's also been a focus on cleaning high traffic areas — “Maintenance is working to make sure they have an extensive plan for cleaning,” explained Perreault.
Residences are also prepared as well. There is lots of signage, floor meetings to make sure it's “top of mind,” and a flu response plan if a student happens to fall ill, she added.
They also encourage students to arrange with parents to go home in case they do get ill.
“People are inclined to tough it out but the message is to stay home and…get yourself well,” said Perreault.
Students are encouraged to check out the Fanshawe College website for more resources, including the Pandemic Plan created by the college to deal with the upcoming season. http://fanshawec.ca
Be Pandemic Prepared! A checklist for students at Fanshawe College:
Stock up on and always carry a personal supply of hand sanitizer.
Do not go to class if you feel ill.
You may be required to return to your permanent residence in the event you become ill. Arrange a pick-up plan with friends and loved ones.
Make sure you have a buddy in case you become ill and need assistance.
Stock up your personal first aid kit and medicine supply. Keep a supply of food and beverages that you might consume while ill.
Stay informed, wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, and cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve, rather than your hand.
Where possible, keep a minimum distance of three metres between you and others.
So here's some straightforward information.
If you're waiting around for a flu shot clinic, there won't be any in the near future, said Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, associate medical officer of health for the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
The current plan for vaccines — H1N1 and seasonal flu — begins in October. That month the seasonal flu vaccine will be available to those 65 years old and up. In November, the switch will be made to the H1N1 vaccine for people six months old to 65 years old. However, depending on how much is available, it might be doled out based on high-risk cases and children first. Finally, in December the seasonal flu vaccine will be available for those between six months and 65 years old.
One of the central concerns as vaccine and flu season approaches is the rumour that if you received the seasonal flu vaccine last year, you are more susceptible to contracting H1N1 this year.
In Canada, there are four research groups forwarding this idea. But this study has not been confirmed — it has yet to go under peer review or be published, said Warshawsky.
Furthermore, the idea that washing your hands does nothing to prevent the flu because it's most likely caught from inhaling it should be taken with a grain of salt, she added.
“Hand washing does decrease the risk of getting respiratory viruses in general,” said Warshawsky.
Fanshawe College has also been readying itself for the onslaught of viruses.
“Our focus is on awareness and prevention,” said Leanne Perreault, manager of corporate communications for the college.
With posters plastered everywhere, as well as hand sanitizer pumps, the college wants students to be aware of their own health. There's also been a focus on cleaning high traffic areas — “Maintenance is working to make sure they have an extensive plan for cleaning,” explained Perreault.
Residences are also prepared as well. There is lots of signage, floor meetings to make sure it's “top of mind,” and a flu response plan if a student happens to fall ill, she added.
They also encourage students to arrange with parents to go home in case they do get ill.
“People are inclined to tough it out but the message is to stay home and…get yourself well,” said Perreault.
Students are encouraged to check out the Fanshawe College website for more resources, including the Pandemic Plan created by the college to deal with the upcoming season. http://fanshawec.ca
Be Pandemic Prepared! A checklist for students at Fanshawe College:
Stock up on and always carry a personal supply of hand sanitizer.
Do not go to class if you feel ill.
You may be required to return to your permanent residence in the event you become ill. Arrange a pick-up plan with friends and loved ones.
Make sure you have a buddy in case you become ill and need assistance.
Stock up your personal first aid kit and medicine supply. Keep a supply of food and beverages that you might consume while ill.
Stay informed, wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, and cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve, rather than your hand.
Where possible, keep a minimum distance of three metres between you and others.
