Information on H1N1 Influenza Virus
Influenza-like symptoms include fever, coughing, fatigue, lack of appetite, and sore throat. There may also be vomiting and diarrhea, particularly in children.
If you get influenza-like symptoms, but are otherwise healthy, stay home to avoid infecting others and treat the symptoms.
If you are pregnant, have underlying health problems or your symptoms get worse, contact your health care provider for advice.
H1N1 Influenza Vaccine
Health Canada has authorized the H1N1 vaccine. This means that the vaccine has proven to be both safe and effective. It is the best protection against the H1N1 influenza virus. The H1N1 Pandemic Vaccine will be available through public health mass immunization clinics. These will be administered by the regional health authorities.
There is no cost for the vaccine. Remember to bring your MCP card with you to the clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions on the H1N1 vaccine
For information on clinics currently scheduled in your area, choose your health region:
- Eastern Health 1-877-752-4358
- Central Health 1-877-311-2613
- Western Health 1-877- 632-H1N1(4161)
- Labrador-Grenfell Health 1-877-896-0422
H1N1 School Immunization Schedules
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination
For this year, the Department of Health and Community Services recommends the seasonal influenza vaccine for:
- anyone over the age of 65;
- residents of long-term care homes; and,
- adults and children with chronic heart or lung disease or with other diseases severe enough to require regular medical treatment or hospital care (such as severe asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, etc.). The vaccine will be available at no cost for these individuals.
Anyone in these recommended groups should get the seasonal flu shot as soon as possible.
All others should get the H1N1 pandemic vaccine first.
Similar to previous years, the seasonal influenza vaccinations this year will be available from both physician offices and public health clinics.
Due to increased
influenza-like-illness activity and laboratory confirmed H1N1 cases
in the province,
Antivirals can reduce influenza symptoms, shorten the length of illness, and reduce the serious complications of influenza if taken within 48 hours of getting sick. Antivirals do not provide immunity against the virus and should not be confused with the H1N1 vaccine.
Currently the use of anti-virals is indicated only for those patients who have severe disease, or who are at risk of complications. People at a higher risk of complications for the H1N1 influenza virus include:
- individuals with chronic conditions such as heart or kidney disease, diabetes, asthma and chronic lung disease, suppressed immune systems, neurological disorders, liver disease, blood disorders and severe obesity;
- children under five years of age; and,
- women who are pregnant.
Not all patients with H1N1 influenza need to either see their doctor, or receive an antiviral medication. People with mild influenza-like-illness and no chronic health conditions should stay at home to prevent spread to others and should contact their health care provider if their disease becomes more severe.
Health care providers will determine if individuals require antiviral treatment for H1N1 influenza and it must be prescribed by a physician. The prescription can be filled at pharmacies across the province. Antiviral medications include Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Relenza (Zanamivir). Residents and visitors of the province who meet the criteria for antiviral use will be eligible to receive the medication free of charge.
The province has enough antivirals to treat anyone who may require it.
