Letter from the Consul General to Canadians on H1N1
Fellow Canadian,
I am writing to you today to provide an update on the human swine influenza and links to websites where you will be able to monitor the situation closely.
On April 29, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5, which indicates that the virus has caused sustained community level outbreaks in two or more countries in a given region. The WHO maintains a complete list of countries affected.
In Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is the lead Federal authority on human swine influenza and pandemic influenza in humans. PHAC has an influenza website portal to provide information on various types of influenza.
The PHAC recommends that travellers follow the same precautionary measures as with seasonal influenza. These include receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. Canadians travellers who develop symptoms of influenza or severe respiratory illness, especially high fever, are advised to seek medical attention immediately. The PHAC also provides general information on human swine influenza on its main website.
Canadians should be aware that Government of Canada offices abroad are not in a position to provide medicine or medical treatment to Canadian citizens but are able to refer Canadians to medical services available locally. Should the World Health Organization (WHO) raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert to phase 6, it is possible that, in accordance with measures announced by local authorities, Canadian Government offices may need to limit general services to the public. However, emergency consular services to Canadians would continue to be provided. Should any changes be required to service levels, we would communicate these to you immediately
I hope that the information provided above will be useful to you and your family. More information on H1N1 influenza can be found on DFAIT's web site. Further information will be provided to you as the situation warrants.
Marta Moszczenska
Consul General
