H1N1 flu
What is pandemic influenza?
Influenza – or the flu – is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. While we see localized outbreaks of the flu every winter, H1N1 is a new virus that has not circulated among humans before, meaning many people have little or no immunity to this new strain. Pandemic influenza is defined as an outbreak of influenza that spreads quickly around the world, creating a global health emergency.
How is the influenza virus spread?
The H1N1 virus is transmitted in the same manner as a regular seasonal flu -- by inhaling infected droplets when people cough or sneeze or by touching an infected surface. To prevent its spread, people should cough or sneeze into their sleeve – not their hands – when tissues are unavailable, stay home when they are unwell and wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.
What is the City of Greater Sudbury doing to prepare for an emergency?
The City of Greater Sudbury and the Sudbury & District Health Unit are the local agencies that would lead a coordinated community wide response should a municipal emergency be declared as a result of pandemic influenza. The decision to declare a state of municipal emergency would follow declarations of national and provincial emergencies to minimize illness, death and societal disruption.
The City of Greater Sudbury has prepared a Pandemic Influenza Emergency Response Plan to coordinate municipal resources during a health crisis. This document should be considered fluid as updates are made to respond to events as they unfold.
The Sudbury & District Health Unit has also prepared an Interagency Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health Sector, across the Manitoulin and Sudbury Districts. This plan was last updated in April 2009.
- City of Greater Sudbury Pandemic Influenza Plan (pdf 821 kb)
- City of Greater Sudbury Pandemic Influenza Plan (Appendices) (pdf 1412 kb)
- Pandemic Planning Guide for City of Greater Sudbury Divisions (pdf 476 kb)
- Operation FLUVILLE
- Sudbury and District Health Unit Pandemic Influenza Presentation (pdf 662 kb)
How can I protect myself and my family?
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's on-line self-assessment tool can help you determine whether you should see a health care provider. If you have flu symptoms, you can also call Telehealth Ontario 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-866-797-0000 TTY: 1-866-797-0007
For additional information about H1N1 influenza, vaccination schedules and other important updates, please visit the following web sites:
