Additional H1N1 Vaccination Clinic

Updated 11/12/2009

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre would like to announce an additional H1N1 Vaccination Clinic. It will be held on Thursday November 12, 2009 from 12 noon until 8 PM at the Golden Age Club.

Dates of additional vaccination clinics will be announced shortly. For any questions, contact Lisa Peterson at the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre at (450) 638-3930.

Action and Prevention Information

Updated on 11/06/2009

Please take time to review the Flu Action and Prevention tab to the left which features six documents on dealing with feelings surrounding the effects Influenza may have on you and your family. Included is valuable prevention information with each respective document.

Radio Interview

A 5 part interview with Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Kellyann Meloche of the Kahnawake Influenza Pandemic Planning Committee (KIPPC) about the Type A - H1N1 Influenza confirmed to be in Kahnawà:ke.

Interview: Part 1 / H1N1 Confirmed in Kahnawà:ke
Interview: Part 2 / What Can we Expect to be Different?
Interview: Part 3 / Public Events, No Time to Panic
Interview: Part 4 / Where Can We Get Info?
Interview: Part 5 / The Vaccine is in Kahnawà:ke

H1N1 Flu Virus Update

Updated on October 21st, 2009

Click here to read the latest H1N1 Flu Virus update.

Community Flu Kit

October 21st, 2009

Click here to view.

Evidence of Influenza A/H1N1 in Kahnawà:ke

October 21, 2009

The Kahnawake Influenza Pandemic Planning Committee (KIPPC) would like to inform the community that it is now confirmed that AH1N1 is circulating in Kahnawake. The KIPPC is asking all who have flu-like symptoms (such as fever, sore throat, cough, aches and pains, and children under 5 may present with gastro - nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) to stay home and take care of this flu as they would with any other flu.

"There is no need to panic. It is important that the community understand this is an otherwise mild flu that we are dealing with, and patients should stay home and treat as they would treat any other flu," stated Dr. Jones of the KIPPC. “Get some rest and drink plenty of fluids.”

It is recommended that people with these symptoms stay home and away from work, school and public gatherings for 7 days from the onset of symptoms in order to prevent the spread of the virus. If you have had contact with someone who has the flu or flu-like symptoms there is no need to alter your everyday activities. However, we do ask that you be more aware in monitoring yourself for fever. If a fever should present itself then follow the above recommendations.

It is important to note that some groups of people are at higher risk for complications because of their age or state of health. Seek medical attention if you are a part of a higher risk group including very young children (under 2 years of age), elderly people (65 years and older), pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.

If you have any questions please call the Kahnawake Influenza Information Line at (450) 638-4112, Info-Santé at 8-1-1 or consult online at www.fightflu.ca .

Updated on October 21st, 2009

Human Influenza A/H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)

Updated: June 11, 2009

Flu more widespread

The World Health Organization http://www.who.int/en/ has announced that H1N1 flu (once referred to as "swine flu") has become a global pandemic.

It is important to understand that this development refers to the wider spread of the illness, not a particular increase in its intensity or severity. Reports this week put the number of laboratory-confirmed cases around the world at roughly 26,500, including 249 deaths.

As of June 10, 2009, a total of 2,978 laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus have been reported in all Canadian provinces and territories - except Newfoundland and Labrador - with Quebec accounting for 611 of those cases. Four deaths have been linked to the virus in Canada. More detailed information and periodic updates on the virus's spread in Canada can be found at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine-porcine/surveillance-eng.php

Fortunately, while widespread, the virus is not resulting in a large number of serious illnesses or deaths. Most people who contract H1N1 suffer comparatively mild symptoms that include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this H1N1 virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

If you have these symptoms, stay home from work or school and consult a medical professional.

The H1N1 flu is managed as most other viral respiratory illnesses - with rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever and muscle aches. If symptoms get worse or you feel you are seriously ill, please go immediately to the nearest Emergency Department and inform the medical personnel of your symptoms.

It is important to remember the most effective ways to avoid transmission of this virus are to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently and to cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm, not your hands.

KMHC is in close contact with public health authorities in Quebec and monitoring the spread of the virus carefully. It will be impossible to prevent members of the community from coming into contact with this virus. The reality is that nothing will prevent the virus from making its way onto our communities. Some of us will very likely get a case of the flu, just as many of us routinely get a case of the flu every winter. Again, we urge you to take the simple, but proven precautions outlined above to help stem the spread of this virus.

This message will be updated as new information is obtained.

Kwe Kahnawa’kehró:non,

The following is basic information regarding the H1N1 influenza virus, commonly referred to as Swine Flu, and what you and your family should know to protect yourselves.  Please share this information with your families, both immediate and extended. 

1. As Kahnawa’kehró:non What should I worry/wonder/be curious about?

There are confirmed cases in Quebec at this time.

2. Does that mean we are susceptible to coming in contact with the virus?

YES. Though considered a mild virus it can spread quickly.

*Please see below for all symptoms of influenza*

3. How will I know if the H1N1 virus is in Kahnawà:ke?

Kateri Memorial Hospital will immediately inform the community if a case is confirmed in Kahnawà:ke.

4. I feel sick with fever (38ºC or 100F or higher) and a cough and I think it's a flu; should I call Kateri Hospital?

Yes.  Please call the Kateri Hospital out-patient department (450-638-3930) and they will provide you further steps to take.  If your family doctor is not at Kateri Hospital, then call the hospital where your family doctor practices. (i.e. Anna Laberge, Montreal General, etc)  They may want you to take further precautions prior to arriving at the hospital.

5. What can I do to prevent myself from getting influenza?

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash immediately after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective, when soap and water is not available.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person, through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, it is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  This should be a practice we have all year round. 

6. Is there anything I can do to prepare if this is the start of the Pandemic?

Yes. Follow the recommendations from question #5 and ensure you have supplies for your family for 30 days.  Supplies should include food, medications and activities to keep you occupied at home.

7. What are the symptoms?

In most, the symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu) are similar to the symptoms of regular flu. They include:

• Fever (38ºC or 100ºF or higher)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills and fatigue
• Occasionally Vomiting and/or Diarrhea

Rest assured that Kahnawà:ke does indeed have a Community Pandemic Plan.  In fact, we have been planning for something like this for the last 4 years. K.M.H.C. and the Emergency Preparedness & Planning (EPP) team will be taking strong, proactive measures to lessen the spread of this virus to our community members.  We are all family, so it is in everyone’s best interest that we all care for each other.

Our teams will be doing everything they can to prepare, prevent, assist and respond to this issue. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kellyann Meloche at 450-632-0635 or Sheila Arnold at 450-638-3930 ext. 212.

** For other updates, stay tuned to K103 Radio (103.7 FM).

Thank you, and please be prepared.