The Pandemic H1N1 Virus and Your Community
AUGUST 28, 2009
The Current Situation
The new H1N1 influenza virus is widespread in BC, so wherever we live we can expect to be exposed to it at some time this fall or winter. We are all aware of the health concerns posed by the Pandemic H1N1 virus, which first appeared in April of 2009. As you may be aware, some First Nations communities in Canada, especially those with high levels of overcrowding and high rates of underlying chronic disease have had more H1N1 activity and a greater than expected experience of H1N1 complications. The H1N1 virus predominantly infects younger age groups but at any age, those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to experience the more serious complications. Additionally, pregnant women in the fourth to ninth month of pregnancy and up to four weeks after birth are vulnerable to more severe impacts of the H1N1 virus.
In the majority of cases, First Nations individuals, like other Canadians are experiencing only mild to moderate influenza symptoms. There have been a number of BC First Nations cases of H1N1 both on and off-reserve and it is expected that the second wave of H1N1 this fall will result in more cases.
The First Nations Health Council, Health Canada, the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, and Regional Health Authorities have been working closely over the summer to ensure that the pandemic response for BC First Nations is both in place and well coordinated. The roles and responsibilities of the partners, with regards to H1N1, are listed in the Appendix to this memo.
While individuals in BC, Canada and around the world are still becoming ill with H1N1, there is good news:
• First Nations communities in BC have worked to create Community Pandemic Plans. Ask your local health staff about your community’s plan.
• Antiviral medications have been pre-positioned in remote and isolated First Nations communities in BC that have health care workers who can prescribe and dispense them safely. Antivirals are oral medications that individuals can take to help fight influenza when they are suspected or known to have influenza. In communities without a continuous health care worker on site, antivirals will be brought in with a health care worker depending on individual community situations.
Next Steps
• The Tripartite Partners, along with Regional Medical Health Officers, will conduct weekly teleconferences to coordinate efforts and discuss arising issues related to H1N1.
• The Tripartite Partners are completing an H1N1 Action Plan for First Nations Communities in BC 2009/2010.
• Planning for pandemic influenza vaccine clinics is ongoing among the Tripartite Partners and will progress as more information on the pandemic vaccine is known.
The rest of the memo is available by: PDF Download