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How likely is it that Pandemic Flu will spread to the City of Hamilton? |
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Public Health Home
Pandemic Flu Home
General Information
How will a Pandemic Flu affect Hamilton
Preparing for a Pandemic Flu
Preventing the Spread of Pandemic Flu
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The World Health Organization is on constant lookout for the first signs of a pandemic emerging so steps can be taken to try to contain it. The Surveillance Unit at the City of Hamilton Public Health Services is very active in monitoring diseases in the City of Hamilton. Chances are if the new virus reaches Canada, the City of Hamilton will be impacted. If it looks like a pandemic flu is going to reach the City of Hamilton, Public Health Services will issue warnings and will work with the media to advise on the best course of action that people can take.
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It is hard to know how a pandemic will affect the City of Hamilton. If many people are sick, hosptials, doctors's offices, ambulance services, government agencies and social service agencies will be busy. It could be hard for these agencies to offer the same services as usual. People who use these services may have to wait longer for help. In some cases the agencies may have to stop offering services until the pandemic is over. All emergency organizations will work together to ensure basic services are provided to the City of Hamilton.
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The World Health Organization (WHO), which monitors influenza viruses around the world, will declare the phases of the pandemic that have the potential to impact and spread around the world. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the provincial Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will declare the phases of the pandemic that have the potential to spread within Canada and within Ontario.
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The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care have developed pandemic plans that align with guidelines set out by the World Health Organization. City of Hamilton Public Health Services has developed a Pandemic Plan that aligns with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Pandemic Plan. This plan outlines the roles and responsibilities of Public Health Services during the stages of a Pandemic Flu. Public Health Services has been educating, consulting and collaborationg with key stakeholders to promote the development pandemic and business continuity plans for their organization.
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The City of Hamilton, Public Health Services has formed a decision making group called the Pandemic Influenza Steering Committee. This committee has been meeting monthly to prepare for a pandemic. The Pandemic Influenza Steering Committee and the City of Hamilton Emergency Control Group will make decisions regarding the response to the pandemic in the City of Hamilton.
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Public Health Services will work with other health care and community agencies to respond to the pandemic. Public Health Services will:
- Keep track of the virus in the Hamilton area. Public Health Services will count how many people are sick, how many people are admitted to the hospital, and how many people die.
- Advise people what they can do to help keep the flu from spreading. Public Health Services may ask people to stay home from work if they have a fever or other symptoms of the flu, or they may cancel public events like concerts or games. Public Health Services may close schools and child care centres so that children do not catch the flu from each other.
- Distribute anti-viral medication
- Give people flu shots, when the vaccine is ready
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As soon as important information becomes available and/or decions are made, the community will be informed by all media outlets (newspapter, radio, television). The public will receive most of their information through these outlets. Print material such as fact sheets, pamphlets and posters will also be widely available. Best sources of information include:
- 900 CHML AM
- Y108 FM
- Country 95.3 FM
- 102.9 K-Lite FM
- 820 CHAM
- Oldies 1150
- CHTV
- the Hamilton Spectator
- Brabant Community newspapers
- City of Hamilton Web site
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