Latest news from the BC Government and/or the World Health Organization

VIU Activities Update

- Sanitizing wipes were handed out to high traffic areas at all regional sites.

- Additional hand sanitizing stations have arrived and will be installed in the coming weeks.

- Influenza education sessions were held at the Nanaimo campus as well as in Cowichan, Powell River and Parksville. Approximately 125 employees and students have attended. To request a session please contact our office.

- Comfort kits containing items such as kleenex, lysol wipes, thermometers and soap were created for students living in student housing in order to assist them with self isolating in the event that they fall ill. In addition a service was set up which allows them to order a 2 day supply of food and drinks online, which will be delivered to them in their room. Detailed information is available through Western Student Housing.

- Cough Sneeze Etiquette posters will be put up around the campus in the coming weeks. They are also available here for download in either 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 17 sizes.

Influenza A H1N1 (Formerly Swine Influenza)

The H1N1 influenza virus is a new strain of influenza or flu which is different than the seasonal flu even though the main symptoms are very similar. The H1N1 flu virus emerged in April 2009 and surveillance of its spread shows that it is affecting more young and healthy people than the regular seasonal influenza, which normally affects seniors and young children. People with underlying medical conditions and pregnant woman may be at a greater risk for severe illness.

VIU Pandemic Plan

VIU has a Pandemic Plan for Influenza and other Communicable Disease. This plan is an evolving document that will assist VIU in preparing for local, provincial and current global emergencies.

VIU Pandemic Plan

H1N1 Vaccination Clinics

See the Vancouver Island Health Authority's schedule and clinic locations for Nanaimo, Parksville - Qualicum, and Cowichan.

See the Powell River schedule and clinic locations provided by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

More information on the H1N1 Vaccine is available at the following links or through your health care practitioner.

Immunize BC

Health Canada and Vaccine Distributor GlaxoSmithKline Inc. Product Monograph.

Symptoms of H1N1

The Public Health Agency of Canada states the following:

Influenza A H1N1 is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu. The symptoms include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with Influenza A H1N1 have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.

If I am experiencing severe flu-like symptoms, what should I do?

Talk to a health professional. Prior to going to your doctor or hospital, call BC Health Link at 811.

Where have cases been reported?

Influenza A H1N1 has been reported globally.

For more information go to the Public Health Agency of Canada Surveillance web site.

How does it spread?

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. Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air where they can be inhaled by others. Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth, nose and eyes.

Flu Commercial

What can I do to protect myself?

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the BC Centre for Disease Control advise individuals to:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers should have 60% or higher ethyl or isopropyl alcohol in order to be effective. VIHA - How to wash your hands video
Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve.
Get your annual flu shot.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if sick.
Check www.fightflu.ca for more information
Check http://www.voyage.gc.ca/ for travel notices and advisories
Check WorkSafe BC for more information
VIHA notice to schools