Pandemic Influenza

Health Unit Pandemic Influenza Plan (PDF)

Simcoe Muskoka Health Sector Emergency Planning Committee pandemic influenza plan (PDF)

• Influenza is a serious respiratory illness.
• A pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of disease in humans.
• An influenza pandemic can happen when a new type of influenza virus develops that humans have no immunity against.

There have been three flu pandemics in the last century, with the most severe being the 1918-19 Spanish Flu, which killed 20 to 40 million people worldwide. The most recent was the human swine influenza (H1N1) pandemic in 2009/10. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared that worldwide we have moved to the post pandemic period. The H1N1 virus has largely run its course.

As we enter the post-pandemic period, this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away. Based on experience with past pandemics, it is expected that the H1N1 virus will take on the behaviour of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come.

In the post-pandemic period, localized outbreaks of different magnitude may show significant levels of H1N1 transmission.

Local Planning

In Ontario, the local Medical Officer of Health (MOH) has specific functions to lead or carry out, with the assistance of the health unit, in the event of an influenza pandemic. Learn more about the full role of public health in the event of an influenza pandemic.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has created a local pandemic influenza plan. As well, all health care agencies and emergency response partners in Simcoe and Muskoka have collaborated with the health unit to create a coordinated regional pandemic influenza plan.

The health unit plan, regional plan, provincial, national and global plans are all designed to work together to minimize suffering, illness and social disruption in a flu pandemic.

In this section you will find links to provincial and national plans, and related topics and web sites providing both in-depth and up-to-date information about the ongoing planning for an influenza pandemic.

RELATED LINKS

Pandemic Influenza Plans

World Health Organization (WHO) (PDF)

Public Health Agency of Canada

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care

Simcoe Muskoka Health Sector Emergency Planning Committee

Facts for the Public

The role of public health in an influenza pandemic – A summary of the mandate given to health units by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Pandemic Influenza – includes provincial emergency response status, Ontario planning, Universal Influenza Program, and more

Health Canada-Public Health Agency, Pandemic Influenza – Frequently asked questions, travel information and more

World Health Organization (WHO), Avian Influenza – situation updates (avian influenza ), pandemic flu alert status, and more

Facts for Health Professionals

Community and Hospital Infection Control Association (CHICA) Canada – detailed information for professionals about pandemic influenza, world situation, surveillance, prevention and treatment.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Information about Influenza Pandemics – includes key facts about flu pandemics, the avian influenza virus (bird flu) and more

CDC Guidelines and Recommendations, Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities – detailed information for professionals, including infection control measures, outbreak management, clinical diagnosis and more.

Facts for Business Owners, Operators

Business Continuity Planning Guide – Workplaces could experience serious strains on their employees during a flu pandemic. Emergency Preparedness Canada offers pointers on strategies to keep business running in this comprehensive guide.

Business Continuity Planning Template – A planning guide for businesses created by the Halton Region Health Department.