There has been a great deal in the news of late regarding H1N1 (Swine Flu). North Island College continues to
monitor the potential and actual impacts of the H1N1 situation on our community and, to that end, is in
the process of developing a Pandemic Preparedness Plan.
All of us should have great respect for H1N1 and its potential effects and follow all precautions, including frequent hand washing,
capturing sneezes and coughs with your upper arm or sleeve rather than your hands, and staying home if you are not well. North Island
College will continue to take direction from VIHA, the provincial Ministry of Health and Health Canada with respect to responding to H1N1,
and the timing and sequence of initiatives may change as new information becomes available.
What You Can Do
At this point in time, H1N1 is acting very much like any other flu; however, according to the Vancouver Island Health
Authority (VIHA) the second wave of the virus is already in our local communities. You will have noticed posters located
around the campuses, reminding employees and students of hand washing protocols. Hand sanitizers will be placed at main entrances
and in high traffic locations such as cafeterias, computer labs and student service areas.
An electronic tracking system has also been developed to assist in reporting and monitoring all employee and student
flu-related absences. To track these absences, employees are asked to complete and submit the following forms:
Employee Flu Illness Report Form: All employees are requested to complete and submit an Employee Flu Illness Report Form on the first day of a flu related illness,
and to notify NIC.Health@nic.bc.ca on your return to work and if you had a confirmed case of H1N1.
Student Flu Illness Report Form: All faculty are requested to complete and submit a Student Flu Illness Report Form whenever a student (or group of students) is absent
because of flu related issues (or are showing significant flu like symptoms in class) or is away for more than two day without contact.
You should also send an email to NIC.Health@nic.bc.ca after a student returns to class and identify if they had a confirmed case of H1N1.
Employee Travel Report Form: All employees travelling out of country are requested to complete and submit an Employee Travel Report Form before the first day of travel
and to report on any flu conditions upon return from your trip to NIC.Health@nic.bc.ca.
This information will be compiled and reviewed on a daily basis to assess the overall flu levels at the College and to check in with employees
and students who may be at home alone without a support system.
Commonly Asked Questions and Answers
1. What is H1N1 (Human Swine Flu)?
H1N1 flu virus is a strain of the influenza virus that usually affects pigs, but which can also affect humans. It is a respiratory
illness causing symptoms similar to those of the regular seasonal flu. H1N1 flu virus has been reported around the world and the World Health
Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic influenza virus. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the British Columbia Ministry of
Health Services and its health authorities, including the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), continue to monitor and respond to the spread
of the virus. H1N1 flu cases identified in BC continue to be associated with relatively mild symptoms typical of usual flu.
2. What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the common flu and can include high fever, a cough, headache, general aches, fatigue, eye pain,
shortness of breath and lack of appetite. Some people have also reported a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
3. How is H1N1 flu virus spread?
H1N1 flu virus is mainly spread person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by people infected with the H1N1 flu virus. People may also become
infected by touching something with the H1N1 flu virus on it, such as counters or doorknobs, and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
4. How can I reduce the risk of contracting H1N1 flu virus or spreading the virus to others?
- Wash your hands regularly with warm water and regular soap, especially after you cough or sneeze. When you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash right after you use it, and wash or sanitize your hands right
away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your upper arm or sleeve.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs can spread that way.
- If you become sick, stay home and limit contact with others.
5. What should I do if I’ve been in contact with someone who has H1N1 flu virus?
If you are told you have been in contact with someone who has H1N1 flu, it is important to monitor yourself for symptoms. If you are not feeling sick,
you do not need to stay home from work or school, see a doctor, or take preventative medicine. Individuals can call HealthLink BC 8-1-1 or visit
the HealthLink BC website, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if they have questions or concerns.
6. What should I do if I think I am sick with H1N1?
You should self-isolate, which means staying home and limiting contact with others, including avoiding travel and not going to work or school, for at
least 24 hours after your fever is gone (as measured without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Treat mild symptoms as you normally would with rest and
fluids. This will decrease the chance of spreading the virus to other people. Call HealthlinkBC 8-1-1 or visit the HealthLink BC website
if you have questions or concerns or if you are feeling ill.
It is expected that most people will recover from H1N1 flu without needing medical care. In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical
attention include:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- sudden dizziness
- confusion
- severe or persistent vomiting
- flu-like symptoms improve but return with fever and worse cough
7. What should I do if a colleague or student has influenza-like illness?
If the individual’s symptoms are consistent with H1N1, advise them to follow the recommendations listed above.
8. Need I advise other employees or students of a possible H1N1 exposure in the classroom or workplace?
No. Advise only your Administrator/Dean, Human Resources and/or direct managers/supervisors in the situation. The need for wider notification will be
assessed by the College in conjunction with VIHA.
9. What are the responsibilities of all staff, faculty and students?
All members of the North Island College community are asked to:
- follow recommendations provided by VIHA and the college to help stop the spread of infection.
- stay at home if you are sick. Remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C) without the use of
fever-reducing medication.
- advise your manager, supervisor, Dean or instructor if you are staying home due to a possible H1N1 illness. Information relating to any individual’s medical
status will remain confidential and kept to a need-to-know basis.
- have a personal preparedness plan should you or a family member become ill.
Please note that the college is not requiring a medical certificate for H1N1 illness absences except under compelling circumstances.
10. What is my responsibility as a:
Student
- Advise your instructor if you are ill and suspect you may have H1N1
- Remain away from class and the college until you are well enough to return (at least 24 hours after your fever has disappeared)
Manager/Administrator
- Assist the college by promoting infection control practices recommended by the college to your staff
- Support your staff and provide accommodation to those who are absent due to illness or acting as a caregiver for an ill family member
- Monitor, track and report all H1N1-related absenteeism to Human Resources
- Develop or review your unit’s business continuity plans by identifying critical functions, resources and determining minimum staffing levels to maintain operations.
- Consider training additional staff to perform key functions should there be high absenteeism in your unit
Faculty member
- Support students who require special accommodation due to H1N1 illness, including options for completing course requirements
- Provide information to students on where they can obtain resources and support
- Advise your Dean of any H1N1-related absenteeism
Staff member
- Remain flexible in your job function and responsibilities
- Advise your supervisor if you are experiencing, or are caring for someone with, H1N1
11. What should I do if I am travelling internationally?
The Government of Canada provides two very informative sites for international travelers.
Travel Reports and Warnings 
provides detailed country-specific information, including health
related warnings. The FightFlu.ca website also provides travel information at , including a link to
country specific travel health warnings from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
12. Where can I get more information?
The following web resources also contain information related to the H1N1 flu virus: