1. H1N1

2. Family Physician Medical Director & Founder, NE Calgary Womens Clinic Medical Director, Mosaic Primary Care Network NOT an H1N1 official or expert Parent with some background knowledge

3. Strain of the swine influenza virus Usually only affects pigs In Spring 2009, it emerged in people in North America, human to human transmission Because humans have little to no natural immunity to this virus, it can cause serious and widespread illness

4. Epidemic: An outbreak of disease that attacks many peoples at about the same time and may spread through one or several communities. Pandemic: When an epidemic spreads throughout a large region; for instance a continent or worldwide

5. In the past, usually only affected pigs Because humans have little to no natural immunity to this virus, it can cause serious and widespread illness Affecting more young and healthy people than the regular seasonal flu People with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women may be at a greater risk for severe illness

6. H1N1 Cases: Total number of hospitalized confirmed cases of pandemic H1N1 influenza Calgary and area 231 Alberta Total 615 H1N1 Deaths: Alberta 29 Canada Total 135 About 4000 deaths every year in Canada from Influenza Virus Median age of hospitalized cases = 33 years. Median age of deaths = 46 years. Known underlying conditions are present in the majority of hospitalized cases and deaths *up to November 10, 2009

7. Hand washing Cough Etiquette Dont touch eyes, nose, face General health care (eat well, rest, exercise)

8. High Risk; Those currently eligible for H1N1 immunization are: Pregnant women Both parents, or one parent and one caregiver of infants under six months of age; Children under 10 as of November 1 with chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes); Children over six months and under five years as of November 1 Health Care Workers New groups being announced daily

9. On November 12 and ongoing, new groups being added include: People with chronic conditions aged 55 to 64 as of November 1; People with chronic conditions aged 10–17 as of November 1. (Combined with the group added November 6, this group ranges from 5 to 17). On November 13 and ongoing, immunization groups will expand to include: People with chronic conditions aged 45–54 as of November 1. (Combined with the group added November 12, this group will range from 45 to 64.)

10. How long for vaccine to be effective? Is it safe? Is it effective? Do I need seasonal flu shot too? What if I think I already had H1N1 in spring? Have you been immunized for H1N1? Do you plan to vaccinate your children?

11. How is it spread? What are the symptoms? What is the incubation period? How long is person contagious? How is it diagnosed? Do people with symptoms need to be tested? Should I get Tamiflu if I get symptoms? Should I wear a mask?

12. Cough Fever Muscle ache Lethargy Decreased appetite May include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

13. Is it a flu vs. cold? Do I have any underlying risk factors? Are my symptoms mild or significant?

14. Stay home Tylenol Call Health Link 403 943 LINK (5465) Influenza Assessment Centre or Emergency Department

15. www.albertahealthservices.ca Public Health Agency of Canada Government of Alberta www.health.alberta.cawww.health.alberta.ca Health Link 403 943 5465