Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is pandemic H1N1 influenza?
   An influenza pandemic is an epidemic of a flu virus that spreads on a worldwide scale and infects a large proportion of the human population. These pandemics occur about every 10 to 30 years and are in contrast to seasonal flu which occurs annually. Pandemics can cause mortality; it is estimated the Spanish influenza of 1918 was responsible for the deaths of over 50 million people. The most recent influenza pandemics were the Asian Flu in 1957 and the Hong Kong Flu in 1968. Flu pandemics occur when a new strain of the influenza virus is transmitted to humans from another animal species. These new strains are unaffected by any immunity people may have to older strains and can spread rapidly.
   
   The H1N1 flu virus, originating from Mexico and previously referred to as “swine flu,” is a new strain of influenza.
   
   
2. What is the University of Saskatchewan doing about the H1N1 flu virus?
   The University of Saskatchewan has developed a university-wide approach to planning for the H1N1 flu and is acting in accordance with advice from the public health authorities. The Crisis Management Team at the University of Saskatchewan, under the direction of team lead and Associate Vice-President Student and Enrolment Services Dave Hannah, is monitoring the situation and operating under an increased vigilance. To limit the ability of the H1N1 flu virus to spread, university caretaking staff are performing additional, precautionary cleaning procedures.
   
   
3. What is the University of Saskatchewan’s pandemic plan?
   The university’s institutional pandemic plan is based on the phases of alert developed by the World Health Organization. The university began its pandemic planning efforts in 2005. Each stage of the pandemic H1N1 flu announced by the World Health Organization triggers an accompanying set of action items at the University of Saskatchewan. With the confirmation of local cases of H1N1 flu, the university is revisiting its institutional plan as well as asking college and administrative unit leaders to revisit their individual plans.  The university is also ensuring the campus community is kept informed of new developments and has access to information on how to prevent influenza.
   
   
4. Will the university be closing to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus?
   No, not at this point. However, the university will continue to monitor the progress of the H1N1 flu virus.
   
   
5. Will classes or exams be interrupted?
   The university will continue to monitor the progress of the H1N1 flu virus in the interim and will communicate accordingly.
   
   
6. What are the symptoms of the (H1N1) 2009 pandemic flu virus?
   People infected with the H1N1 flu virus will experience many of the same symptoms as regular seasonal flu. The Public Health Agency of Canada states that "ILI (influenza-like illness) is defined as the acute onset of respiratory symptoms with fever (100° F or 37.8° C) and cough and one or more of the following symptoms: sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain, or weakness.” Individuals may also have other symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea.
   
   
7. What’s the difference between seasonal flu and H1N1 flu?
   While the symptoms of seasonal flu and H1N1 flu are much the same, symptoms can be more severe with a pandemic. In addition, the H1N1 flu has had a greater impact on younger, healthier individuals while seasonal usually affects those with weaker immune systems (children, seniors and certain individuals with chronic illness). Other differences include:
   
   • seasonal influenza happens annually; pandemics happen once every 10 to 30 years
   • flu season is usually from November to April; a pandemic, when it occurs, happens in waves, with each wave lasting about two months
   • recovery from seasonal influenza is usually within a few weeks;  during a pandemic, more individuals are affected by influenza and the recovery period may be longer
     
     

Is it influenza, a cold, or “stomach flu” (gastroenteritis)? Symptoms Influenza Common Cold Stomach Flu Fever Usually high Sometimes Rare Chills, aches, pain Frequent Slight Common Loss of appetite Sometimes Sometimes Common Cough Usual Sometimes Common Sore throat Sometimes Sometimes Rare Sniffles or sneezes Sometimes Common Rare Vomitting, Diarrhea Sometimes (children) Not typically Common Involves whole body Often Never Stomach/ Bowel only Symptoms appear quickly Always More gradual Fairly quickly Extreme tiredness Common Rare Sometimes Complications Pneumonia; can be life threatening Sinus infection Ear infection Dehydration Source: "Best Practice Guideline for Occupational Health and Safety During Pandemic Influenza" published by The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour, October, 2009



8. How does the H1N1 flu virus spread?
   It is believed the virus is spread in the same manner as other strains of flu, which is person to person when germs enter the nose, eyes or mouth. Virus particles are released through the coughing and sneezing of persons who are ill. When these particles are deposited on hard surfaces (counters, doorknobs, etc.), they remain contagious for 2-8 hours. When they land on a soft surface (cloth, paper, tissues, etc.), they only remain contagious for a few minutes. These germs can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the human respiratory system when someone touches their nose, eyes or mouth Crowded conditions in enclosed spaces provide ideal conditions for the spread of influenza.
   
   
9. How do I protect myself from getting the H1N1 flu virus?
   Like any influenza, the best way to reduce the spread of the virus is to practice good infection prevention behaviours – wash your hands frequently with soap, cough or sneeze into your elbow/sleeve rather than your hand, stay home if you are sick with influenza-like illness (fever and cough) and minimize physical contact with others. For further details, consult the following fact sheets / posters:
   
   • Protect Yourself and Others from Influenza
   • Protect Yourself, Hand Hygiene
   • Protect Yourself, Handwashing
   • Protect Yourself, Handwashing Steps
   • Protect Yourself from Influenza
   • Protect Yourself, How to Treat Influenza
   • Personal Preparedness for a Pandemic Influenza
     
10. Will a mask prevent me from getting the H1N1 flu virus?
    No, there is no evidence to suggest that wearing masks will prevent the spread of infection in the general population. Improper use of masks may in fact increase the risk of infection. Masks do not act as an effective barrier against disease when they are worn for extended periods of time.  In addition, removing your mask incorrectly can spread virus to your hands and face.
    
    
11. How can I tell if I have the H1N1 flu virus?
    While laboratory testing is the only method to confirm the strain of influenza you may have, the H1N1 flu virus is now well established in the community and most health officials are no longer routinely ordering tests to confirm the diagnosis unless circumstances warrant, e.g. hospitalization or other specific health concerns. Health officials encourage those experiencing mild influenza-like illness (fever and cough) to stay home and to phone for medical advice if flu symptoms persist.
    
    
12. How should I take care of myself if I experience influenza-like illness?
    The Public Health Agency of Canada states that "if you get the flu, increase the amount of fluids you drink and get plenty of rest for seven to ten days. The aches and fever can be treated with acetaminophen. Children should not be given ASA, commonly known as Aspirin, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. There are also drugs prescribed by doctors, which are called antivirals. These can be effective in reducing the symptoms of the flu. But you must take them within 48 hours of getting the flu symptoms. Antibiotics have no effect against a viral illness like the flu." If you currently have underlying illness including chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, immune deficiency, or are past the first trimester of pregnancy, provincial health  authorities strongly recommend you quickly seek medical assessment when you first experience influenza-like symptoms as you may be at risk for more severe illness.
    
    
13. If I have an influenza-like illness, when is it safe for me to return to campus?
    The Public Health Agency of Canada states that "to help reduce transmission between ill persons and those who are healthy, prompt recognition of symptoms and early self-isolation (stay home) of symptomatic individuals is key. Individuals with ILI (influenza-like illness) should self-isolate until symptoms are resolved and they are able to participate fully in day to day activities." Symptoms are usually resolved in seven days or less.
    
    
14. Can people get the H1N1 flu virus from eating pork?
    No, the H1N1 flu virus is not transmitted through food.
    
    
15. Are there any cases of the H1N1 flu at the U of S?
    There have been some confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu.
    
    
16. How will the university communicate with me for updates?
    Communication about the H1N1 flu virus is available through updates to this website (www.usask.ca/pandemic) and in announcements to the university community through PAWS, email and broadcast messages as well as from college and administrative unit leaders across campus. In addition, your manager, supervisor or faculty advisor has been provided with information and resources to assist with any questions or concerns you many have.
    
    
17. Is the university restricting travel for students and staff?
    No, not at this time. The university is monitoring advisories from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) and will modify our action plan according to advice from DFAIT. 
    
    
18. If I am planning to travel, are there any recommendations for how I can protect myself from influenza?
    For individuals who are traveling, the university suggests following recommended infection control measures and taking along a flu kit.  A flu kit could include: a thermometer, hand sanitizer (travel size, three ounces), tissues, over-the-counter medications for colds and flu, vitamins, throat lozenges and fluids for hydration (ravel size, three ounces) such as water, fruit juice or electrolyte drinks.  The Public Health Agency of Canada also suggests that individuals take a mask along while traveling to be used if you are ill and have to be out in public.
    
    
19. Are there side effects from the H1N1 vaccine?  What are the side effects?
    According to the Saskatoon Health Region, although trials are still ongoing with the adjuvanted vaccine, it is likely the side effects are similar to those of seasonal influenza vaccine, with a sore arm being the most common. Arm pain at the injection site is more common with adjuvanted vaccines than with the usual seasonal vaccine. The range of other minor side effects (fatigue, headache, muscle ache, joint pain) is similar to that of the usual seasonal  unadjuvanted vaccine.

Do you have a question about pandemic influenza that has not been answered in this FAQ? Send your question to flu_info@usask.ca.