Academy Canada Career College
H1N1 Flu Virus Readiness Information

Academy Canada takes students, staff, and partners health very seriously. Within the last several months, we have begun to monitor the potential H1N1 Flu Virus impacts, and develop readiness plans in an event it affects College operations in some manner.

In the weeks to come we will continue to work with government and educational partners to ensure that actions (should they be necessary) be appropriate, in keeping with government directions and consistent with the steps other institutions have taken.

The following information is provided to inform students and prospective students about:

1. General information regarding the illness.
2. Precautions to help prevent the contraction and spread of H1N1.
3. Current college wide advisories.
4. Sources of additional information and support.

General Information about H1N1

Swine influenza, also commonly known as H1N1 Influenza or H1N1, is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the influenza A virus.

Swine influenza viruses do not normally infect humans. From time to time, human infections do occur, resulting in the H1N1 flu virus. It is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to regular human seasonal influenza.

Sometimes, humans and animals can pass flu strains back and forth to one another through direct close contact. When swine influenza virus does affect a human, there is also a risk that it 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.

It is unlikely that the seasonal flu shot will provide protection against H1N1 flu virus. The flu shot will protect against the seasonal flu, which is still circulating in Mexico.

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.

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 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).

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada - http://www.fightflu.ca/sym-eng.html

Recommended Precautions

All influenza strains can be dangerous; however, good infection prevention measures can help protect you and others if this virus begins to spread rapidly in Canada.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water or use hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand
• Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected
• Stay home if you’re sick, unless directed to seek medical care

Prevent H1N1 flu virus with frequent handwashing: Handwashing, when done correctly, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Good handwashing technique is easy to learn and can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases among both children and adults. Click here for more information on how to wash your hands.

Cover your cough and sneeze: Sneeze and cough into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue. After wiping or blowing your nose with a tissue, throw away the tissue and wash your hands. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

Stay at home and avoid crowds when sick: If you are sick, avoid going to work and being in large crowds as you can spread influenza easily to others. You should also visit sick friends and relatives only if necessary.

Keep common surfaces clean: Keep personal items separate if a household member is sick. Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces around a person sick with influenza. Do not share personal items or drinks.

Does the annual influenza vaccination protect me from H1N1 flu virus? It is unlikely that the seasonal flu shot will provide protection against H1N1 flu virus.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada - http://www.fightflu.ca/prot-eng.html

College Advisories or Restrictions Regarding H1N1

The following advisories will be updated by the college as circumstances warrant:

For More Information

H1N1 Vaccination Schedule

Western Newfoundland

Mass H1N1 immunization clinics for Western Newfoundland have ended.

If students or staff didn't receiving their H1N1 immunizations, please book an appointment with your Community Health Office to receive your vaccine.

Individuals are required to have an MCP card with them at registration time. Please wear short sleeve or easy roll up sleeve shirts.

Source: Western Health

Greater St. John's Area and The Irish Loop

Starting February 15, 2010, students and staff must book an appointment with your Community Health Office to receive your vaccine.

Individuals are required to have an MCP card with them at registration time. Please wear short sleeve or easy roll up sleeve shirts.

Source: Eastern Health

Current H1N1 Vaccination Eligibility Requirements

Starting November 20, 2009, all students, staff, and instructors are eligible for the H1N1 adjuvented and non adjuvented vaccines.

Please note that the H1N1 vaccines will be available on a first come, first served basis using a numbering system.

Corner Brook Campus students and staff are advised that after December 11, 2009, you must book an appointment with your Community Health Office to receive your H1N1 vaccine.

Please Note

None of the information provided above is meant to take the place of professional medical advice. Anyone who is concerned about their health should immediately contact their doctor’s office.

Please note that given the changing nature of this issue, the college's plans will be evolving as new information is made available. Students are encouraged to refer to this site regularly and seek direction from their Campus Administration as deemed appropriate.