H1N1

__**Infection Prevention and Control**__ (someone coughs and sneezes onto the mouth, nose, or eyes of another person) or by direct contact on hands that have touched contaminated surfaces. The following routine infection control practices are recommended to control the spread of influenza viruses: __A) Hand Hygiene__** Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures in preventing the spread of influenza viruses in the community. Generally hand hygiene should be preformed before and after eating (and preparing food), after using the washroom, and when hands are visible soiled. If a person is in contact with someone with ILI, hand hygiene should be preformed as soon as possible after contact.
 * H1N1 Flu Virus and other influenza viruses are spread mainly through direct contact with the virus

i) **Soap and Water**: Facilities for hand washing with running water, soap in a dispenser (not bar soap) and paper towels should be located at several sites around the Games’ facilities. Facilities should be available for hand hygiene in places such as dining area and other areas where participants congregate.

ii) **Alcohol-based hand rub**: The use of waterless alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) containing between 60-90% alcohol is an excellent alternative to hand washing with soap and water when hands are not visibly dirty and when the product is used according to the directions on the bottle. The risk if accidental ingestion of ABHR should be considered and the risk minimized by placing the containers in areas where ingestion can be avoided. Alcohol is a highly flammable product and should not be stored in large quantities or be placed near sources of heat or fire.

All Participants should be taught to cough and sneeze into the elbow or shoulder rather than the hands. Is a tissue is used it should be discarded after a single use and hand hygiene performed.**
 * __B) Respiratory Etiquette__

__**H1N1 information: (from our public health nurse)**__

Influenza like illness is defined as an acute onset of respiratory illness with fever and cough and with one or more of the following: sore throat, joint pain, muscle aches or weakness which could be due to the influenza virus. Please monitor your child for these symptoms. If your child has any of these symptoms the child should stay home from school and get better. If symptoms worsen or your child has a medical condition contact your family doctor. Children can return to school when they are feeling better and are symptom free. Now would be the time to start thinking of a back up plan for childcare, if your child becomes ill. Practicing good hygiene (hand washing and proper cough etiquette), eating healthy food, being physically active, stress reduction and adequate sleep will help you to stay healthy. The way a movie vampire covers his face with his cape is a good way to stop the spread of germs. It’s called the Vampire Cough. Next time you cough or sneeze, cough into the inside bend of your elbow. If you cough into your hands, the germs from your mouth get spread around. Think about it – what was the last thing you touched with the inside of your elbow?
 * For more information: try [|www.gnb.ca\flu] or call the H1N1 2009 phone line at 1-800-580-0038 ** The website is updated almost daily and the phone line provides information, symptom triage and health advice.
 * What can you learn from a Vampire? **

1) Wet hands with water.   2)  Apply soap. 3) Rub hands together and scrub well for 20 seconds. 4)  Rinse hands. 5) Dry hands with paper towels. 6)  Use the paper towel to turn off the tap after washing hands.
 * HAND WASHING IN SIX EASY STEPS! **

(Reference: New Brunswick Dept. of Health, kidscoop.com)

Marg Milburn, Public Health Nurse, Healthy Learners in School District 18
 * A prevention tip: ** The T zone consists of the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose or mouth. If you have germs on your fingers and you touch your eyes, nose or mouth the germs will get into your body. So hands off the T-Zone!!