Questions and Answers about H1N1 Flu Virus

* An asterisk indicates a new question and answer.

General Information

Q1. Where can I find information about the H1N1 flu virus (also known as the Human Swine flu)?

The Government of Canada's Internet portal Fightflu.ca offers Canadians a one-stop source of information on H1N1 flu virus including tips on what individuals can do to help stop the spread of infection.

Health Canada is responsible for issuing Occupational Health and Safety advisories for the core public administration.

More information about the H1N1 flu virus, including the option to subscribe for updates, is available at the Health Canada website at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine_200904-eng.php. Additional information is also available on Merlin at http://merlin/english/zlist/2009/h1n1e.asp and the CFIA’s external site: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/swigri/swigrie.shtml.

Employees who do not have access to the Internet can also call, toll-free, the Information Hotline at 1-800-454-8302, or talk to their doctor

Q2. What should I do to avoid getting the flu?

CFIA employees should follow the advice provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada to the general population.

Employees can play an active role in staying healthy and preventing the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. Follow these simple steps recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Cover up when you cough or sneeze.
• Keep shared surfaces clean.
• If you get sick, stay home!
• If you get flu-like symptoms and are pregnant, have underlying health problems or if your symptoms get worse, contact your health care provider.

For more information on the H1N1 flu virus prevention, consult Fightflu.ca.

Health Canada's Workplace Health and Public Safety Programme is responsible for issuing specific occupational health advice on personal protective measures for public service employees, such as health care workers.

Q3. Where can I get information on my risk of exposure to the H1N1 flu virus in the workplace?

Employees who are concerned about their health and safety should discuss their concerns with their manager.

*Q4. Why is so much attention being paid to hand hygiene?

The Public Health Agency of Canada has indicated that hand washing with soap and water is the best defence against common infectious diseases. Should soap and water not be readily available, employees should be encouraged to use hand sanitizer. Scent-free hand sanitizers should be available to employees in the workplace when soap and water are not readily available.