NAN – Health Advisory: Human Swine Influenza
Thursday, June 4, 2009
In response to recent news stories regarding the H1N1 virus, NAN would like to reassure their member First Nations that we are following up on these stories and will continually provide you with accurate up-to-date information. It is very important to realize that those individuals who have been confirmed with the H1N1 virus have only had mild cases and have fully recovered.Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler spoke with Chief David McDougall of St. Theresa Point First Nation, Manitoba on June 2, 2009 via conference call. Chief McDougall has shared that although some of his community members are presenting with flu-like symptoms, these cases have NOT been confirmed as the H1N1 virus to date. Chief McDougall stated that part of his community action plan is to advise their community members of the following: encouraging infection control practices, recommending minimizing inter-community travel, and avoiding congregating in large groups. Chief McDougall also stated that he will continue to keep NAN informed via communications with Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.
NAN would like to encourage its’ member First Nations to access information from their Community Health Nurse at their respective Nursing Station. The Public Health Agency of Canada also has general information and laboratory-confirmed cases regarding the H1N1 virus which can be accessed athttp://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine_200904-eng.php . NAN would also encourage its First Nations community members visit First Nations & Inuit Health – Ontario First Nations Pandemic website for updated information: http://pandemic.knet.ca/.
Again, NAN cannot express the importance of communicating accurate information to its member First Nations communities via the NAN website. NAN are continually in contact with and working closely with First Nations & Inuit Health – Ontario Region and with Health Canada. Please feel free to call Sarah Perrault, Public Health Policy Analyst if you have any concerns or questions at 807 625 4913 (direct line) or you may email her at sperrault@nan.on.ca .
NAN encourages its member First Nations to continue infection control measures to protect yourself and your family by: washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, cough and sneeze in your arm of sleeve, and receiving an annual flu shot. Keep doing what you normally do; however if you are sick, stay home. Talk to your community health nurse/health professional if you experience severe flu-like symptoms.
Click here to download this advisory.
