Federal and provincial health officials assure the public that properly handled and prepared pork is safe to eat. There is no risk of catching the virus from eating pork or pork products.

Visit the World Health Organization Website for Situation Updates:  http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/updates/en/index.html

Vaccination Information:

News Release - October 1, 2009: Alberta to start regular flu vaccine program in October , H1N1 vaccine to follow mid-November. Click HERE for more information.

Help prevent the spread of influenza:

Whether it is H1N1 or seasonal influenza, there are simple tips that will help prevent the spread of influenza and keep and others healthy:

• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after touching door handles and other surfaces that may harbour influenza and other viruses.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue rather than your hand.
• Wash hands frequently, using soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Repeat the alphabet twice while lathering your hands before rinsing.
• Use hand sanitizer if hands are not visibly dirty or if soap and water are not accessible. Use only alcohol-based hand rubs that contain at least 60 per cent alcohol.
• If you are sick stay home from work or school and avoid public places.

NOTE: Antibacterial soaps or sanitizers are not necessary and can cause resistance to antibiotics and may impact sewage systems.

Are you contagious?

You have the flu. You have done the responsible thing and are staying home so you don’t spread it to others. But how long should you stay home? When you have the flu, you can pass it on to others:

• From one day before you have symptoms, until
• Five (5) days after your symptoms begin.

Do you need to see a doctor?

If your symptoms are getting worse or you are not recovering, call Health Link Alberta for medical advice or your doctor for an appointment.

In Edmonton, call 780-408-5465 or toll free 1-866-408-5465

If your symptoms become severe, go to an emergency centre right away.

For example, go to emergency if you have:

• Problems breathing;
• Pain in your chest; or
• A high fever that does not get better after 3–4 days.

Some people should always see their doctor if they get the flu, including people with heart or lung disease.

Source: Alberta Health & Wellness. For more Influenza tips, visit the Alberta Health & Wellness website: Influenza Self Care

HumanaCare Workplace Guide to Pandemic Influenza

The June 2009 outbreak of the H1N1 virus has caused many individuals and employers to prepare for the possibility of a severe pandemic influenza. The Workplace Guide to Pandemic Influenza booklet(pdf) prepared by HumanaCareguide is intended to provide an overview of relevant information for you and everyone at your workplace.

Visit these websites for more information:

• Alberta Health Services

• Alberta Health & Wellness

Canada:

• Human swine influenza– latest updates and information
• Frequently asked questions on swine influenza
• Travel Health Notices
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade– Mexico Travel Report
• Fact Sheet on human swine influenza
• FightFlu.ca
• Canada - Number of cases
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency

International:

• World Health Organization
• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy