H1N1 Influenza is a severe respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Normally, this type of influenza is limited to pigs; however, cases of H1N1 viruses have been reported in humans and can spread from person-to-person. More than 168 countries have reported cases of H1N1 infection and there are ongoing community level outbreaks of H1N1 Influenza in multiple parts of the world. Cases have also been reported in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Most cases of the human H1N1 flu cases in Canada and the U.S. have been mild, and people recover fully at home without the need for medical care.

Toronto Public Health is working with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor and investigate the illness.

Important Message to Students and Employees - March 3, 2010

Senate Executive, the Provost and senior administration have concurred with the recommendation of the University's Pandemic Influenza Planning Committee that, effective Monday, March 15, 2010:

1. The University will cease the online tracking of absences of students and employees (due to H1 N1 or "flu like symptoms") and
   
   
2. The University will revert to its normal practices of requiring physician's notes for student petitions and requests for deferred standing, and for employee absences as specified in collective
   agreements and Human Resources operating procedures.

The Committee advanced these recommendations on the basis of the following:

• Public Health Agency Canada (PHAC) issued a statement January 27, 2010 that it had officially declared the second wave of H1 N1 influenza as passed;
  
  
• There has been no indication of a re-emergence of a widespread outbreak of H1 N1 over the past two months, and the likelihood of a re-emergence in the next several months remains low;
  
  
• There has been a significant drop in the number of reported student absences due to H1 N1 or flu like symptoms since early January; and
  
  
• Advice received from Toronto Public Health.

The World Health Organization continues to assess the level of pandemic alert for H1 N1 at Phase 6 (full pandemic alert). The Pandemic Committee also recommends that all members of the community remain
vigilant with respect to level of awareness and flu prevention measures. In this regard, it is recommended that hand sanitizer dispensers continue to be replenished, that Flu Prevention notices continue to be
posted in washrooms, offices and in publicly accessible corridors, and that custodians in academic and residential buildings continue to focus on a standard of cleaning in and around washrooms and in high traffic areas consistent with the current level of cleaning practice.

For more information, students should refer to http://www.registrar.yorku.ca/services/influenza/flu_faq.htm

H1N1 Planning

The Pandemic Planning Committee continues to meet to assess and implement the York University Pandemic Influenza Plan as it applies to an H1N1 outbreak. York’s Office of Emergency Preparedness will also continue to closely monitor any outbreaks of H1N1 influenza and post relevant information as it becomes available.