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H1N1 Flu Virus

Current Status
The H1N1 flu virus is a new strain of pandemic influenza which is different than the seasonal flu. It is affecting more young and healthy people than the regular seasonal flu, which normally affects seniors and young children. Prevention includes washing hands often, keeping common surfaces disinfected, coughing and sneezing into your arm instead of your hand and staying home if you are sick until your symptoms are gone and you feel well enough to participate in all activities.

Read the latest news from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Get vaccinated for H1N1. Protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.

With the holidays quickly approaching, the risk of contracting H1N1 is heightened through increased travel and social gatherings with family and friends.

While H1N1 flu activity in Canada appears to be levelling off, the risk of community transmission of the virus remains high. This is not the time to be complacent. You are encouraged to get immunized and to play an active role in staying healthy and preventing the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the H1N1 vaccine is the single best way to protect yourself and others from the virus. Getting the vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your family, friends and colleagues.

In addition to getting the H1N1 vaccine, you should continue to follow these simple steps to prevent the spread of the virus: 
• Wash your hands frequently;
• Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand; and
• Stay home if you get sick.

Keep yourself actively informed by referring to www.FightFlu.ca and departmental intranet site, emails, etc.

Information Hot Line for the Staff NPF (CF)
The following toll free number is now active for all employees and will be updated regularly: 1-888-996-4629 or 613-996-4629 for calls from within the NCR. Call the number regularly for updates.

Useful Information

The following information is provided by CFPFSS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Shepell-fgi:

Useful H1N1 Links

www.FightFlu.ca:  Visit the Public Health of Canada website to learn more about H1N1 symptoms, H1N1 vaccine, use of antivirals and how to take care of a sick person. You will also find information for specific groups such as pregnant women, families, seniors and people with chronic health conditions.

http://defenceteam-equipedeladefense.mil.ca/h1n1/index-eng.asp:  The Defence Team website includes more information about prevention measures, situation updates and pandemic planning.

Note: The website can be accessed only through the Defence Internal Network.

Occupational Health Advice for Federal Departments and Agencies of the Core Public Administration and their Employees: This advisory provides important recommendations for federal employees whose work duties may put them at higher risk of exposure to the H1N1 flu virus, such as port of entry officers.

Tools for Managers

H1N1 Communiqué Archive