VERNON/COLDSTREAM EMERGENCY PROGRAM MEDIA RELEASE
H1N1 Preparedness
The Vernon/Coldstream Emergency Program is working closely with Interior Health to monitor the status of H1N1 in our community. While Interior Health is the lead agency in pandemic preparedness and response, the Vernon/Coldstream Emergency Program is ready to assist Interior Health if required. To date, H1N1 has resulted in only mild, flu-like symptoms, and normal influenza prevention measures are effective against the virus.
Influenza Prevention Advice
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before you eat. Alcohol based hand gels are also effective;
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Infections can spread that way.
• If you develop a fever and cough, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them; and
• If your symptoms become more severe contact your health care provider.
How do people get H1N1?
• Human infections with flu viruses from pigs can occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig production barns and livestock exhibits at fairs.However, human-to-human transmission is also possible. Influenza and other respiratory infections are transmitted from person to person via the respiratory route. Coughs and sneezes release the germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others.
• Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked upon hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose.
Are masks effective in preventing the spread of H1N1?
• Swine influenza is spread from person to person usually through respiratory droplets, from someone that is coughing or sneezing. The wearing of masks by affected persons will limit their ability to spread virus and that caregivers in the home might also benefit.
• However, the use by the general public in public, though a feature of many outbreaks, remains unproven. A mask on its own may not be enough to stop the spread. The best thing is to do is to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and wash your hands often with soap and water. It’s the simplest and most effective way to prevent spreading the virus.
Can I get H1N1 from eating pork?
• No. Swine flu is not a food safety concern.
• Proper cooking of pork products would kill any viruses. Additionally, swine exhibiting symptoms of influenza would not pass tests to enter into the food market.
What if I have returned from travelling and have symptoms of a respiratory illness?
• If you have recently been to Mexico, the U.S. or any other region where swine influenza cases are being reported, and are exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness with fever, you should get in contact with your health care professional to discuss.
For more information?
• The public can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, 24/7, if they have questions/concerns or are feeling ill. On the internet, information can be obtained at www.healthlinkbc.ca, or from the BC Centre for Disease Control at www.bccdc.org
• Locally, the public can call the Interior Health Centre for Communicable Diseases at 250-549-6315, or visit the IHA website at www.interiorhealth.ca
• To obtain pre-recorded general emergency preparedness information, as well as updates on any emergency or hazardous situations that may be occurring in the Coldstream/Vernon area, please call the 24 HR Emergency Preparedness Information phone number at 250-550-3232.
H1N1 Preparedness
The Vernon/Coldstream Emergency Program is working closely with Interior Health to monitor the status of H1N1 in our community. While Interior Health is the lead agency in pandemic preparedness and response, the Vernon/Coldstream Emergency Program is ready to assist Interior Health if required. To date, H1N1 has resulted in only mild, flu-like symptoms, and normal influenza prevention measures are effective against the virus.
Influenza Prevention Advice
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before you eat. Alcohol based hand gels are also effective;
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Infections can spread that way.
• If you develop a fever and cough, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them; and
• If your symptoms become more severe contact your health care provider.
How do people get H1N1?
• Human infections with flu viruses from pigs can occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig production barns and livestock exhibits at fairs.However, human-to-human transmission is also possible. Influenza and other respiratory infections are transmitted from person to person via the respiratory route. Coughs and sneezes release the germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others.
• Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked upon hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose.
Are masks effective in preventing the spread of H1N1?
• Swine influenza is spread from person to person usually through respiratory droplets, from someone that is coughing or sneezing. The wearing of masks by affected persons will limit their ability to spread virus and that caregivers in the home might also benefit.
• However, the use by the general public in public, though a feature of many outbreaks, remains unproven. A mask on its own may not be enough to stop the spread. The best thing is to do is to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and wash your hands often with soap and water. It’s the simplest and most effective way to prevent spreading the virus.
Can I get H1N1 from eating pork?
• No. Swine flu is not a food safety concern.
• Proper cooking of pork products would kill any viruses. Additionally, swine exhibiting symptoms of influenza would not pass tests to enter into the food market.
What if I have returned from travelling and have symptoms of a respiratory illness?
• If you have recently been to Mexico, the U.S. or any other region where swine influenza cases are being reported, and are exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness with fever, you should get in contact with your health care professional to discuss.
For more information?
• The public can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, 24/7, if they have questions/concerns or are feeling ill. On the internet, information can be obtained at www.healthlinkbc.ca, or from the BC Centre for Disease Control at www.bccdc.org
• Locally, the public can call the Interior Health Centre for Communicable Diseases at 250-549-6315, or visit the IHA website at www.interiorhealth.ca
• To obtain pre-recorded general emergency preparedness information, as well as updates on any emergency or hazardous situations that may be occurring in the Coldstream/Vernon area, please call the 24 HR Emergency Preparedness Information phone number at 250-550-3232.
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