In an effort to aid in the prevention of the swine influenza outbreak, we’ve provided the following information from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The current WHO (World Health Organization) phase of pandemic alert is 5 out of 6, which indicates a pandemic is imminent. For updates on the current phase of the pandemic, please monitor the WHO website.
The government of Canada is encouraging Canadians to access updated information on H1N1 Flu Virus through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website,
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca or by calling 1 (800) 454-8302.
Tips for preventing Swine Influenza
The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve
• Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if sick
• Check www.fightflu.ca for more information
• Check www.voyage.gc.ca for travel notices and advisories
• Talk to a health professional if you experience severe flu-like symptoms
Facts on Swine Influenza
Swine influenza
Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the influenza A virus.
H1N1 Flu Virus
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. From time to time, human infections do occur, resulting in H1N1 Flu Virus. H1N1 Flu Virus is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu.
Transmission
Sometimes, humans and animals can pass strains of flu back and forth to one another through direct close contact. When a swine influenza virus does affect a human, there is also a risk that the animal influenza can mutate and then spread directly between humans.
More investigation is needed on how easily the virus spreads between people, but it is believed that it is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza. Influenza and other respiratory infections are transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat.
Symptoms
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, and sore throat. Some people with H1N1 Flu Virus have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.
Flu shot
It is unlikely that the seasonal flu shot will provide protection against human swine influenza. The flu shot will protect against the seasonal flu, which is still circulating in Mexico.
Pandemic
Pandemic influenza is defined as a new influenza virus that spreads easily between humans and affects a wide geographic area. More information is needed to determine how easily this virus spreads.
Vaccine
A vaccine is any preparation intended to produce immunity to a disease by stimulating the production of antibodies. Canada has a plan for a vaccine to be produced domestically if a pandemic occurs, which will take about six months once the virus is identified. Enough pandemic vaccine will be produced to cover all Canadians.
Antivirals
Antivirals are drugs used for the prevention and early treatment of influenza. Two antivirals that appear to be effective in treating this illness are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
For more information on swine influenza, and to stay updated on the spread of the virus, please click on the links below:
The Public Health Agency of Canada
The Public Health Agency has released a list of frequently asked questions. This document may help answer any questions you have, please click here.
The World Health Organization
Buffett & Company is committed to the health of our employees, our clients and their employees, and we will continue to follow the situation and provide information on the outbreak.
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