With a world wide pandemic having been declared in June of 2009 on the H1N1 Influenza, preparations across the globe have been ongoing ever since the first mention of H1N1 was made earlier this year.  The Cypress Health Region has developed this page to keep you informed on the latest information pertaining to this new influenza strain.

Please note that each document herein may be continually revised due to the continual changes that accompany this new virus. The date that each document was posted to this webpage is included below its name.  This is to inform you of how current the information is.  Updated information will be posted as it is made available to the Cypress Health Region.

Cypress Health Region H1N1 Summary

(December 21, 2009 - PDF)

Cypress Health Region H1N1 Mass Immunization Clinics Conclude

(December 11, 2009 - PDF)

Ministry of Health News Release - More Groups for H1N1 Vaccinations Announced

(November 23, 2009 - PDF)

Ministry of Health News Release - More Risk Groups Being Added to H1N1 Vaccine Campaigns

(November 5, 2009 - PDF)

Primary School Aged Children to be Offered Vaccine

(November 4, 2009 - PDF)

Pregnant Women and Young Children to be Offered Vaccine

(October 30, 2009 - PDF)

Ministry of Health Rollout Plan News Release

(October 20, 2009 - PDF)

Consent Form   (November 4, 2009 - PDF)

Any person receiving the H1N1 vaccination must complete a consent form.  If you wish to complete your consent form prior to attending an H1N1 clinic, please click here then print and complete the form and bring it with you to the H1N1 vaccination clinic that you attend.

Almost always: cough and fever

Common:  fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, decreased appetite, runny nose

Sometimes:  nausea, vomitting, diarrhea

Help reduce the spread of the H1N1 influenza strain and:

• Ensure everyone washes hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water. If running water and soap is not available,alternatives such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or arm. If tissue is used, be sure to wash or sanitize hands immediately.
• Follow good basic health measures like proper nutrition, good hydration, and use fever medications as directed to relieve symptoms.
• Monitor your health and the health of every household member everyday for influenza symptoms.
• If someone becomes sick, identify a separate room in the house to care for sick family members. Collect games, books, movies and other items for entertainment.
• If the sick family member is in a vulnerable risk group (i.e. under 2 years, asthma, cancer, diabetes, etc) that could increase the risk for complications (i.e. pneumonia) arrange for a medical assessment by a health care provider as early as possible and preferably within 48 hours of becoming ill.
• Avoid regular activities such as shopping, school or playing with others until symptoms resolve.
• Pillows, linens, eating utensils, cups, hand towels, etc should not be shared without washing first. Use regular household detergents and normal dishwashing liquids.
• Develop an emergency call list. Include child care at home for illness or school closure, and an alternate care giver in case you become ill.
• Consider having a "flu buddy" - someone who can check in on you or your family if you are sick to help with things like meals or essential supplies.
• Get yourself and your family vaccinated with the Pandemic H1N1 vaccine when vaccine becomes available.

(September 25, 2009)

Myth: Vaccines don't work

Fact: It is true that when there is an outbreak of a disease, some people who have been immunized get sick. This leads to the idea that vaccines don't work. Because each individual is different, about 10 to 15 per cent of people vaccinated will not develop
immunity to the disease. Nevertheless, immunization reduces the risk of severe disease. In the case of the H1N1 flu virus, since very few people are immune, it is predicted that without interventions like a vaccine and antivirals, close to 25 to 35 per cent of the population could become ill over the period of a few months. Immunization is the most effective way to prevent illness and to reduce the risk of transmitting the flu to those around you.

Myth: There are many serious side effects from vaccine

Fact: We acknowledge that there are concerns with respect to immunization. There are some risks association with flu vaccine, but the potential risk for serious adverse events, like Guillan-Barré Syndrome, is low.

For regular seasonal influenza, about 5 to 10 percent of the population will get sick and on average about 4000 people die every year. The risks of serious side effects from the flu are far greater than the risk of experiencing an adverse event after receiving the flu shot. The risk of suffering Guillan-Barré as a complication from the flu is greater than the risk of getting it as a reaction to the flu shot.
Vaccines are among the safest tools of modern medicine. In Canada, serious side effects from the flu vaccine occur very rarely – about one for every million shots distributed. The vast majority of side effects from vaccines are minor and temporary, like a sore arm or mild fever. These are much less severe than influenza infection, and last for a much shorter time. No long-term effects have been associated with any vaccine currently in use.

(more on vaccine mythbusters) (October 26, 2009 - PDF)

Eating Well Can Boost Your Immunity

(Deceber 14, 2009 - Web Link)

Tips for Parents: Protecting Your Baby Against the Flu

(November 10, 2009 - PDF)

Cypress Health Region H1N1 Handout

(October 28, 2009 - PDF)

Considering the Options - Getting the Flu vs. the Vaccine

(October 27, 2009 - PDF)

H1N1 FAQ

(September 25, 2009 - PDF)

Prevention and Management at Home 

(September 25, 2009 - PDF)

Prevention and Management in the Workplace 

(September 25, 2009 - PDF)

Decision Chart - What To Do If You Have Flu Symptoms

(October 29, 2009 - PDF)

H1N1 Slideshow Presentation

(October 26, 2009 - PDF)

Sask. Immunization Program FAQ

(October 26, 2009 - PDF)

Saskatchewan Flu Clinics Rollout Backgrounder

(October 20, 2009 - PDF)

If Told by Your Doctor to Isolate at Home 

(September 25, 2009 - PDF)

Proper Handwashing Techniques

(September 25, 2009 - PDF)

• Government of Saskatchewan - Ministry of Health

• Public Health Agency of Canada - Fightflu.ca  I  FAQ's