Influenza A H1N1:Information and Guidelines for

Client & Patient Volunteers

H1N1 Flu Virus

• A new strain of pandemic influenza which is different than the seasonal flu

• People have no natural immunity to protect against this virus

• Younger people, those with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women may be at a greater risk for severe illness

What is it & How is it Spread?

• A respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs

• Is contagious and spread the same way as the regular seasonal flu

• Spread by coughing or sneezing: germs enter the nose, eyes, or throat of another person

• Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs

• Can be transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose

Incubation Period

• Mild to moderate illness in most people affected

• Incubation period up to 7 days

• Infectious period for 7 days after symptom onset or until resolution of symptoms

Symptoms

Almost always:• Cough and fever

Common:• Fatigue and muscle aches • Sore throat • Headache, runny nose and decreased appetite

Sometimes:• Nausea, vomiting & diarrhea

Severity Indicators

If you develop the following symptoms, you need to see your Doctor or health care provider right away:

• Shortness of breath, rapid or difficulty breathing • Chest pain • Bluish or grey skin color • Bloody or colored mucus/spit • Sudden dizziness or confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting • High fever lasting more than three days • Low blood pressure

Additional symptoms to watch for in children:

• Not drinking enough fluids or eating

• Not waking up or interacting

• Irritability; not wanting to play or be held

People at Risk of Complications

The following groups are not more likely to get the H1N1 virus. However, they are more at risk of developing complications if they do get sick:

• Children under five years of age - especially those less than two years old

• Women who are pregnant

People at Risk of Complications

• People with chronic conditions such as:• Heart disease • Liver disease • Kidney disease • Blood disorders • Diabetes• Severe obesity • Asthma and chronic lung disease • Immunosuppressed (people taking cancer drugs or

people with HIV AIDS) • Neurological disorders

Reduce the Risk of Complications

• Early treatment can help to reduce the risk of complications - speak to a medical professional if you develop flu symptoms, and seek medical care if the symptoms worsen.

• IMPORTANT If you have flu symptoms and you have one of these risk factors, contact a health care provider as soon as possible — antiviral medications may be needed.

Prevention

• Wash hands often • Keep common surfaces disinfected • Cough and sneeze into your arm, instead of your

hand • If you are sick, stay home until your symptoms

are gone and you feel well enough to participate in all activities

• If you have underlying health problems or if your symptoms get worse, contact your Doctor

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information

• In Canada, there will be enough H1N1 vaccine for everyone who wants and needs it.

• The Government of Canada has authorized the use of the H1N1 flu vaccine, which is called AREPANRIX

• Pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and children under the age of five will be encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information

If you would like more information about the H1N1 Flu vaccine including answers to the following questions:

• Who should or should not get the vaccine?

• How well will the vaccine protect against the virus?

• How safe is the vaccine?

• What are the risks?

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information

Public Health Agency of Canada website:

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/vaccine_vaccin-eng.php

HealthLinkBC website:

http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile108b.stm

BC H1N1 Flu Virus Information

For current information/resources on the H1N1 situation in B.C. including:

• Weekly information bulletin updates

• HealthLinkBC H1N1 Symptom Checker

• Flu clinic locator

• Tools and Resources

http://www.gov.bc.ca/h1n1/

Guidelines for 1:1 Volunteers

Bereavement or Palliative 1:1 volunteers phone the person they are planning to visit and ask if he/she or anyone in the home has flu like symptoms.   If anyone does have these symptoms, then you should not visit.  You can phone in a few days and decide if you will resume visits or can visit with your client over the phone.

Guidelines for Hospital & Hospice Volunteers

• Check in with the nurses prior to your shift and ask if any of the patients and/or their families have flu like symptoms 

• Read notes in the Communication book prior to visiting patients

• Phone or email your Team Leader immediately if you or someone you have been in contact with have been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu

• If a patient has been diagnosed with H1N1 flu - do not visit

Guidelines for Volunteers

In accordance with the Public Health Agency of Canada (July 28, 2009) document, Interim Guidance: Infection prevention and control measures for Health Care Workers in Acute Care Facilities, Infection Prevention and Control at Fraser Health recommends the following guidelines for Volunteers working in acute and primary care facilities where patients present for assessment or appointments:

Guidelines for Hospital & Hospice Volunteers

• If someone has flu like symptoms maintain a distance of six (6) feet

• If there is not a six (6) foot separation from patients and public, volunteers must wear procedure mask and eyewear if there is potential for exposure to patients who have not yet been assessed for respiratory symptoms 

Guidelines for Hospital & Hospice Volunteers

• Perform hand hygiene before and after direct contact with the patient – as per hand hygiene policy

• Don procedure mask if the patient is coughing • Don a gown and gloves if there is a potential for

exposure to body fluids• Volunteers should encourage patients and

visitors to follow good hand hygiene practice and respiratory etiquette

Guidelines for Volunteers

Needless to say….If you are not well and are experiencing flu like symptoms please take care of yourself, phone or email Colleen and/or your Team Leaders and stay home!!!