H1N1 is a respiratory illness that has symptoms that are similar to regular flu. It is spread by coughing, sneezing and contact with germs. Board staff are in contact with Public Health and will provide updates as they are received.

All DSBN schools follow an Infection Control Program which proactively helps to reduce the spread of germs through prevention. Students learn proper hand washing techniques, and sneeze and cough etiquette. Caretaking staff are trained in environmental disinfection measures, and every school is equipped with Purell hand sanitizing stations.

At home, you can continue these prevention techniques with your child. Remind your child of proper hand washing techniques, and sneeze and cough etiquette. If your child is feeling ill, please keep him/her at home.

If you have specific questions, please visit the Niagara Region Public Health website www.niagararegion.ca or call their Information Line at 905-688-8248 ext. 7950.

DSBN Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan

Download the DSBN Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (PDF).

H1N1 Update - November 16, 2009

Niagara Region Public Health is making the H1N1 vaccine available to all Niagara residents effective immediately.

"Locally, we have the vaccine and resources available to expand our H1N1 clinics to all who want it, and make it more accessible and convenient for our residents," stated Dr. Robin Williams, Medical Officer of Health. “Although our local direction differs from provincial decisions, Niagara Region Public Health will be moving forward with this expansion."

Clinics are scheduled through to December 4, 2009 at various locations across Niagara, including Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Welland, Port Colborne, Grimsby, Thorold, and Niagara-on-the-Lake. For the most current H1N1 vaccine clinic schedule, visit www.niagararegion.ca or call the H1N1 Information Line at 905-688-8248 ext. 7950 or toll-free at 1-888-505-6074.

H1N1 Update - November 13, 2009

With the expansion of the H1N1 priority group members in Niagara to include individuals under the age of 19, a promotional video has been created, with the assistance of local high school and Brock University students, to encourage youth to get vaccinated. H1N1 Boom Boom Pow is designed to increase awareness and knowledge about H1N1 and lead youth to credible sources of health information.

Watch the video below:

Great H1N1 resources for youth.

H1N1 Update - November 12, 2009

Niagara Region Public Health has expanded priority group members to include children from five years to 18 years of age, as well as adults over 65 years old with chronic medical conditions effective November 13, 2009.

Effective November 13, 2009, the priority group members include:

• Children and youth from 6 months to 18 years of age
• Adults with chronic medical conditions, including those over 65
• Pregnant women and household members of a pregnant woman who will deliver during flu season
• Health care workers involved in pandemic response or the delivery of essential health care services
• First responders and Provincial corrections
• Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines such as infants less than six months of age and persons who are immunocompromised

H1N1 Vaccination Clinics:

Click here to view the scheduled H1N1 Flu Immunization Clinics offered through the Niagara Region Public Health.

H1N1 Flu Virus Advice for Parents/Guardians

Teaching kids to stay healthy starts with parents and guardians. To prevent spread of the H1N1 flu virus teach your kids the following steps to reduce the spread of the virus:

Wash your hands

Encourage regular hand cleaning with either soap and water for at least 15 seconds, or an alcohol-based hand rub and rub until hands are dry. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself. Supervise children when they are using an alcohol-based hand rub. To learn more, watch the videos below.

Stay home if you are sick

If your child shows flu-like symptoms of fever and cough plus one or more of the following: sore throat, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, and possibly vomiting or diarrhea they must stay home and not attend school, child care, or other events (e.g. birthday party) until the fever is gone for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Cover your cough or sneeze

Encourage your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve, NOT the hands. Throw out the tissue immediately.

Avoid close contact with sick people.

Discourage touching the eyes, nose or mouth, as germs spread this way.

Clean surfaces often

This includes

• counters,
• fridge handles,
• faucet taps,
• bathrooms,
• railings,
• computer keyboard,
• and telephones.

Regular cleaning with common household cleaners is recommended for the H1N1 flu virus at this time.

The influenza virus can live on:

• your hands for 5 minutes
• fabric or tissue for 8-10 hours
• hard surfaces for 48 hours