Ready for Flu Season

Ontario is well prepared for the upcoming flu season according to a new report from Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Ontario has been preparing for an influenza pandemic for several years. The Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic, released in 2004 has been continually updated to reflect new knowledge and has been tested to ensure Ontario is well prepared.

While it's impossible to know exactly what to expect, Ontario is planning for a busier than usual flu season and a higher demand than usual for both primary and hospital care. This assumption is based on our assessment of the southern hemisphere flu season, which is currently winding down.

Ontario is prepared to respond to the H1N1 flu virus with measures such as:

• a tracking system to monitor the spread of flu across Ontario;
• information for Ontarians on how to stay healthy this flu season;
• immunization programs for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu;
• a stockpile of antiviral flu medication to treat people at greater risk of complications from the H1N1 flu virus;
• a stockpile of personal protective equipment for health care workers;
• updated guidance to the health care system;

Fanshawe College has also been preparing for regular flu season as well as for a possible influenza pandemic. Fanshawe's Pandemic Plan and additional information for staff and students is available on the College website at www.fanshawec.ca/flu.