16 Sep 2009
Health unit ready to respond to H1N1 flu
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has a flexible plan for the coming flu season, so response can match the level of illness in the community.
So far, the H1N1 flu virus has produced mild illness, and in fact the death rate is below averages for seasonal flu, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Charles Gardner told the board of health on Sept. 16.
Surveillance programs will involve monitoring for outbreaks in institutions, lab test results, and reports of travel-related respiratory illness. For the first time it will also include monitoring of absenteeism rates at schools.
Given the low level of illness, measures such as closures of public venues, including schools, are not expected.
“We are prepared to respond to a high burden of illness, should this occur,” Dr. Gardner said.
Strategies for the administration of the vaccines for seasonal and H1N1 flu are being developed at the local, provincial and federal levels.
Improved funds for dental programs
The province has relaxed its rules on the way a half-million-dollar fund can be used to expand CINOT, the program supporting families that can’t afford urgent dental care for children up to age 18.
Since not all the money will be spent on providing the service, the province will allow 20 per cent of the total – slightly more than $100,000 – to be used for promoting the program.
Bill Hutton, associate director of corporate service, also reported that the province has reduced tobacco funding for enforcement and cut funds for the Youth Action Alliance.
The final approval for the 2009 mandatory public health and related cost-shared programs came very close to the 5% increase the health unit had requested, Hutton said.
Breastfeeding important, even in emergencies
Emergencies such as pandemic flu are no reason to change attitudes about breastfeeding, the board of health learned Wednesday.
The theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, from Oct. 1 to 7, is “A vital emergency response,” said Peggy Govers, manager of child health with the health unit. Continuing breastfeeding could improve a baby’s health, she said. Breastfeeding would prevent the need for potable water and electricity for heating, both of which might be unavailable during power failures. Breast milk also boosts babies’ immunity and affords comfort, security and protection during the stress of an emergency, she added.
Next Meeting
The next board meeting will be held on Oct. 21, at 9:30 a.m.
in the Barrie office.
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