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Okanagan College - H1N1 Preparation & Response

 Fight Flu

 NEW - Eligibility criteria changed, new clinics announced

Interior Health has announced new flu clinics for the coming days. The announcements come in the wake of changes to the determination of who is eligible for the H1N1 immunization clinics. Essentially public health officials have determined that, with the exception of infants less than 6 months, anyone who wants or needs an H1N1 vaccination is now eligible.  To find out where the clinic closest to you will be held, please consult the Interior Health website frequently).

 

 

 For Students:
 
I’m sick what do I do now?
If you become ill during class let your professor or instructor know and leave class immediately. If you know you are sick, please consider others and don’t attend class. You must notify your instructors or professors that you are currently ill and will return to class as soon as you are able. It is recommended that you do this via email to ensure you have a record of your communication with your instructor or professor. It is your responsibility to do this.  

If you don’t know your professor or instructors email you can find it at
http://webapps-1.okanagan.bc.ca/ok/staffdirectory/default.aspx



 It is only by notifying your professor or instructor that Okanagan College may be able to accommodate you and provide you with the flexibility you need to complete your program and or courses. For the fall 2009 term, physician confirmation of flu-related illness should not be required from students if the absence from class is less than two weeks. 

Although Okanagan College professors and instructors are committed to helping students complete their program and courses during these extraordinary times, vocational programs in health, social development, trades and apprenticeship will be challenging. Students in these programs need to be aware that requirements for program completion such as a set number of instructional/shop/lab hours, meeting weekly competencies, and being able to attend and complete practicum placements are limited in the scope in which professors and instructors can offer flexibility to sick students with extended absences. Therefore, it is extremely important that these students connect with their instructor or professor as soon as possible to discuss options for program completion.

What about final exams?
For exams please click on the link below for the Okanagan College examination policy.
http://webapps-1.okanagan.bc.ca/ok/calendar/calendar.aspx?page=Examinations

What is the Pandemic Flu?

Influenza (the flu), is a contagious respiratory illness caused by type “A” influenza viruses.

Pandemic influenza is a worldwide outbreak and is defined as a new influenza virus that spreads easily between humans. Infection may result in serious illness.  Currently, there is no pandemic flu, however, experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Canada agree we are overdue for the next influenza pandemic.

What is H1N1 and How is it Different Than The Seasonal Flu?

The H1N1 influenza virus originated in swine but is now transmitted between people. Since H1N1 is a newer strain, young adults will likely have no natural immunity to protect against the virus and it will likely cause more illnesses and more severe cases of illness than the seasonal flu.

Once outbreaks begin to occur anywhere in the region, we can expect that the H1N1 influenza organism will spread quickly throughout the area.

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the overall severity of the H1N1 pandemic to be “moderate”, which means that most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care.

How is the Influenza Virus transmitted?

The incubation period for the influenza virus is 1 to 3 days and the contagious period is 24 hours before symptom onset and up to 7 days after the onset of symptoms. This makes it critical that infection control becomes our normal way of life.

Transmission of the virus from person to person may occur when germs enter the nose and /or throat. Coughs and sneezes release the germs into the air where they can be breathed by others.

Germs can also remain on hard surfaces like doorknobs and desktops, where they can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their eyes, mouth or nose.

What Can I do to Protect Myself and Others?

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

• Hand washing (with soap and warm water), is the single most effective measure to reduce risks of transmitting infection.
• Hand sanitizer may be used supplementary to hand washing.
• Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing with a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately. If no tissue is available sneeze into your arm, not your hands.
• Keep hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected.
• Get plenty of rest, exercise and eat nutritious foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

How do I Know if I Have Influenza?

You may have the flu if you have a sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat, a runny nose and body aches. Although colds and other viruses may cause similar symptoms, influenza weakens a person much more than other viruses. Most healthy people will feel better in about 5 – 7 days.

Complications such as severe respiratory distress or pneumonia may develop in moderate or severe cases, as well as in people with chronic health conditions.

What if I Get the Flu?

If you believe yourself to be infected, limit contact with others as much as possible to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that students and employees who become ill with influenza-like illness (ILI) self-isolate until they are symptom free.

You can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, 24 hours a day / seven days a week if you have more questions or are feeling ill.

What is Okanagan College Doing about Pandemic Influenza?

The College has taken a proactive approach to risk management by establishing an Influenza Pandemic Strategy, as part of its Emergency Preparedness Plan. A series of plans and procedures are being developed to address student and course requirements, college operations, critical functions, residence requirements, as well as the establishment of communications channels to provide updates and guidance to students and employees should a pandemic occur.

Okanagan College will issue health alert notices for all students and employees. The plan for disseminating information throughout the Okanagan College Community will include, but not limited to:

• Health and Safety posters (e.g. personal hygiene, hand washing, sneezing)
• Website (which will provide current and up-to-date information)
• Notices (myOkanagan) 
• Emails

Where Can I Go to Get Additional Information?

• Fightflu.ca - Information on how to protect you and your family from the flu.

• British Columbia Centre for Disease Control – Swine Influenza Information

• Ministry of Health Services – Swine Flu Information

• Frequently Asked Questions (Public Health Agency of Canada)

• Frequently Asked Questions (World Health Organization)

• Fact Sheet (Public Health Agency of Canada)

• Interior Health Authority

handwashing

 coughposter

 sneeze poster