H1N1 Influenza

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has provided information on H1N1 influenza. H1N1 is a respiratory illness that has symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. In the majority of cases, symptoms of the virus are relatively mild and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, and sore throat. Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.

Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air that can be breathed in by others and can also release germs on hard surfaces like counters, phones, keyboards, and door knobs.

The World Health Organization has declared H1N1 a pandemic influenza virus because of how the disease is spreading.

Clean, Cover, and Contain

• Clean: wash hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Cover: use a tissue or arm to cover coughs and sneezes as opposed to the hands which frequently touch other surfaces and people.
• Contain: stay at home so that the illness is not spread to others.

What is the Y Doing to Help Decrease the Spread of the Virus?

In addition to our constant attention to providing healthy, safe program locations, we are regularly tracking and following the advice of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Clean, cover, and contain posters have been posted at all locations.
• Additional hand sanitizer dispensers will be installed in all locations.
• We are working with Eastern Health in our licensed child care locations to follow any new guidelines.
• We are ensuring we are following Eastern Health standards in cleaning and sanitizing dishes, toys and surfaces in our licensed child care locations.
• Surfaces, program equipment, toys, phones, keyboard, and door knobs are scheduled for more day time cleaning in addition to night cleaning in all locations.
• Additional communication with program participants and families will be done as necessary.
• Staff and volunteers will receive regular updates as information changes.

Additional Information

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