H1N1 - Related Links

H1N1 Flu (Pandemic Influenza) Update for the JIBC Community

Communication #1 - September 18, 2009

The JIBC is continuing to monitor the potential and actual impacts of the H1N1 Flu (Pandemic Influenza) on our community, in conjunction with local public health authorities. The JIBC has established a Pandemic Response Team to monitor all relevant information for our community, oversee our response plan and to provide updates to our community as required.

The members of the pandemic response team are:
Susan Addario, Director of Student Services & Registrar
Carol Baert, Vice President, Finance and Administration
Murray Day, Director, Emergency Management Division
Richard Epp, Director, Facilities
Jon Marks, Director, Human Resources

What is H1N1?
What are the symptoms?
How is H1N1 flu virus spread?
How can I reduce the risk of getting H1N1 flu virus or spreading the virus to others?
What should I do if I’ve been in contact with someone who has H1N1 flu virus?
What should I do if I think I am sick with H1N1 flu virus?
What should I do if a co-worker/student has influenza like illness?
Do I need to advise other employees or students of a possible H1N1 exposure in the classroom or workplace?
What is the JIBC doing to prepare for a pandemic outbreak?
What are the responsibilities of all staff, faculty and students?
What is my responsibility as a:
Where can I get more information?

What is H1N1?

H1N1 flu virus is a strain of the influenza virus. It is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu. H1N1 flu virus has been reported around the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic influenza virus. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the British Columbia Ministry of Health Services and its health authorities, including Vancouver Coastal Health, continue to monitor and respond to the spread of H1N1 flu virus. H1N1 flu cases identified in BC continue to be associated with relatively mild symptoms typical of usual influenza. At the time of writing, there is no evidence of any increase in severe respiratory illness in this province.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the common flu and can include high fever, cough, headache, general aches, fatigue, eye pain, shortness of breath and lack of appetite. Some people have also reported a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

How is H1N1 flu virus spread?

H1N1 flu virus is mainly spread person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by people infected with the H1N1 flu virus. People may also become infected by touching something with the H1N1 flu virus on it, such as counters or doorknobs, and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

How can I reduce the risk of getting H1N1 flu virus or spreading the virus to others?

Wash your hands regularly with warm water and regular soap, especially after you cough or sneeze.

When you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash right after you use it, and wash or sanitize your hands right away.
If you don’t have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your upper arm or sleeve.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs can spread that way.
If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others.

What should I do if I’ve been in contact with someone who has H1N1 flu virus?

If you are told you have been in contact with someone who has H1N1 flu virus, it is important to monitor yourself for symptoms. If you are not feeling sick, you do not need to stay home from work or school, see a doctor or take preventative medicine. Individuals can call HealthLink BC 8-1-1 or visit www.healthlinkbc.ca, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week if they have questions or concerns.

What should I do if I think I am sick with H1N1 flu virus?

You should self-isolate, which means staying home and limiting contact with others including avoiding travel and not going to work or school, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (as measured without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Treat mild symptoms as you normally would with rest and fluids. This will decrease the chance of spreading the virus to other people. Individuals can call HealthLink BC 8-1-1 or visit www.healthlinkbc.ca, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week if they have questions or concerns, or if they are feeling ill.

It is expected that most people will recover from H1N1 flu without needing medical care. In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

What should I do if a co-worker/student has influenza like illness?

If the individual’s symptoms are consistent with H1N1 advise them to follow the recommendations listed above. Assist that individual in making alternate arrangements so that academic and work-related responsibilities can be fulfilled once they have recovered.

Do I need to advise other employees or students of a possible H1N1 exposure in the classroom or workplace?

No. Advise only department administration, Human Resources and/or direct managers/supervisors in this situation. The need for wider notification will be assessed by the JIBC in conjunction with Vancouver Coastal Health and local public health agencies.

What is the JIBC doing to prepare for a pandemic outbreak?

The JIBC has been preparing to respond to a pandemic outbreak over the summer. The Pandemic Response Team has considered the impact a pandemic might have on the JIBC community.

Since the emergence of H1N1 in 2009, the Pandemic Response Team has been meeting regularly to:

Review and revise our existing business continuity plans
Implement infection prevention and control measures based on current recommendations by the Vancouver Coastal Health advisories, including:
- Providing and installing signs for recommended hand washing techniques in JIBC washrooms
- Providing and installing hand sanitizing stations at key public areas.
Prepare for potentially high levels of absenteeism
Support business and program continuity planning; and
Plan communications to the JIBC Community on H1N1 related issues through links from www.jibc.ca

The JIBC is also arranging seasonal flu clinics for the fall, to provide a flu vaccine to all staff who want it. The first flu clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in Room C124 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

What are the responsibilities of all staff, faculty and students?

All members of the JIBC community are asked to:

Follow recommendations provided by Vancouver Coastal Health and the JIBC to help stop the spread of infection.
Monitor www.jibc.ca and the intranet for the latest information.
Stay at home if you are sick. Remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]) without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Advise your manager, supervisor or department administration if you are staying home due to a possible H1N1 illness. Information relating to any individual’s medical status is to remain confidential and kept to a need-to-know basis.
Develop strategies for business and program continuity in anticipation of high absenteeism.
Have a personal preparedness plan should you or a family member become ill.

Note that the JIBC is not requiring a medical certificate for H1N1 illness absences except under compelling circumstances.

What is my responsibility as a:

Student?

Advise your instructors if you are ill and suspect you may have H1N1.
Remain away from class and the JIBC until you are well enough to return (see Item 6 above).

Staff member?

Remain flexible in your job function and responsibilities.
Advise your supervisor if you are experiencing or are caring for someone with H1N1.

Instructor?

Support students who require special accommodation due to H1N1 illness, including offering options for completing course requirements.
Provide information to students on where they can obtain resources and support.
Advise department administration of any H1N1 related absenteeism.
Consider ways in which you can offer course material, including assignments and exams, in alternate formats, in the event that students are not able to participate in or attend classes.

Manager/supervisor?

Assist the JIBC by promoting infection control practices recommended by the JIBC to your staff.
Support your staff and provide accommodation to those who are absent due to illness or acting as a caregiver for an ill family member.
Monitor, track and report all H1N1 related absenteeism to Human Resources.
Develop or review your unit’s business continuity plans by identifying critical functions, resources and determining minimum staffing levels to maintain operations.
Consider training additional staff to perform key functions should there be high absenteeism in your department.

Where can I get more information?

The JIBC will be publishing updates on the home page for all members of the JIBC community. Information for staff will also be available on the intranet, and in weekly bulletins in Justin Times.

Staff, instructors and students can also check these websites for the latest information available locally and across the province:

Public Health Agency of Canada
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
www.fightflu.ca

Vancouver Coastal Health
www.vch.ca