May 27 , 2009
As of May 26, 2009, 11 new cases of H1N1 influenza virus have been confirmed in Alberta. This brings the total number of confirmed cases of H1N1 to 107. The latest update from the Public Health Agency of Canada dated May 25, 2009 puts the total number of laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus at 921 with 2 deaths (1 in Alberta and 1 in Ontario).
On May 26, 2009 the World Health Organization issued a report entitled “Characteristics of the emergent influenza A (H1N1) virus and recommendations for vaccine development” which provides updated information regarding antigenic and genetic analysis of the virus.
In this report they confirm that between March and April 26, 2009 nearly 13,000 confirmed cases have been reported in over 40 countries. The countries with the largest number of cases include Canada, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America (USA). The disease caused by the novel virus has generally been mild, severe illnesses resulting in hospitalization and death has occurred in Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico and USA.
Community transmission of the virus has been established predominantly in North America (Mexico, USA, Canada). Despite the evidence of community transmission in Canada many provinces including Alberta continue to include travel as a filter in their screening tools.
Analysis of eight gene segments indicates that the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus is a reassortment (recombination or genomic material) of swine influenza A viruses from North America and Eurasia (H1N1, H1N2 and/or H3N2) which has gene segments originating from swine, human and avian influenza viruses.
Cross-immunogenicity studies with seasonal influenza vaccines are still ongoing. Preliminary data indicates that immunization with seasonal vaccines induces little or no cross-reactive antibody to the novel virus.
Recommended precautions for health workers remain
It is the position of United Nurses of Alberta that until such time as there is scientific certainty regarding the mode of transmission of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) all Employees covered by the Multi-Employer/UNA Collective Agreement that are required to provide patient care for suspected or confirmed swine influenza A cases must be provided with an appropriate supply of fit-tested N95 respirators and mandatory education regarding the care of procedures for donning and doffing N95 respirators.
Along with respiratory protection until the manner of causation is known, in addition to routine practices, infection control measures for suspected and confirmed cases of the swine influenza should include contact precautions, respiratory hygiene, accommodation, eye protection, surveillance and reporting.
What You Need to Know:
Get Fit Tested! - The Multi-Employer/UNA Joint Committee has reached an agreement regarding N95 Respirator Provision and Fit Testing, which requires the employer to provide N95 respirator fit-testing to all employees covered by the Multi-Employer/UNA Collective Agreement. Fit-Testing is mandatory as per Article 35.02 (a)
Ensure you have enough N95 respirators - The Joint Committee agreement obligates the Employer to ensure that an appropriate supply of N95 respirators is available.
You may be temporarily transferred - In the event of an emergency Article 44: Mobility (44.05 (e)) allows the Employer to reassign Employees from any site to perform work at any other site in emergency circumstances. An emergency is defined as “an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action”. Contact you Local representative or Labour Relations Office for additional information regarding emergency transfers.
Do not report to work if you are sick - Nurses should not be reporting to work if they have influenza like illness (fever and respiratory symptoms). Nurses who do report to work are putting patients and their co-workers at risk of infection and illness. The Alberta Government is asking that individuals with flu like symptoms stay home from work and avoid public places when ill.
You do not have to put your health at risk - The agreement between the parties states that employees who have not been fit-tested for an N95 respirator or are unable to achieve an effective facial seal shall not be expected to enter or provide services in an area where a suspected or confirmed case of swine influenza A has been identified. These Employees may be deployed to another area.
You need to assess whether you believe that you need to provided with N95 respirators (fit-tested), gown and eye protection. If your employer refuses then ask to be reassigned.
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