H1N1 and Canadian Health Care Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

H1N1 and Canadian Health Care - Research Paper Example Reason being was young and middle-aged adults are mostly out of their houses which can easily acquire the virus. The virus is said to be contagious and can easily be transmitted as a regular seasonal flu. The process could include when an infected person coughs or sneezes and germs enter the nose, eyes or throat of another person. Public counters and doorknobs could be potentially dangerous as the germs rest on different surfaces. It resembles same sign and symptoms of an ordinary influenza but in some cases can develop nausea, vomiting, sore throat, mild conjunctivitis and diarrhea. Initial symptoms could be mild but if left untreated could lead to pneumonia or respiratory failure. In children, they may present nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain while infected infants may present a sepsis-like syndrome. Since H1N1 resembles the strain of common influenza virus, the diagnosis can be considered in any patient with flu-like symptoms. A PCR Test to detect H1N1 virus is now being used to check infection of swine flu. Treatment approach is conservative through relieving of symptoms by use of over-the-counter drugs but for those late stages a use of antiviral drugs is the option. Recently, as the virus spreads around the world, most government would require vaccines and different television stations are now advertising frequent hand washing with use of soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce transmission of infection. H1N1 entering Canada It was first cited that H1N1 virus first appeared in Canada as per Public Health Agency of Canada reported. Though, the Canadian Government has expected the arrival of the second wave of the illness last October 2009 since there was an increased in H1N1 activity in several parts of the country; this would mean that there is an increased in number of Canadians infected by the virus. Though, the Canadian Government is in continuous work with international partners in learning more about the virus and to prepare in case there would be some changes to the virus' nature and if there would be another wave infecting the nation. As it rapidly affecting most Canadians, there is still no evidence suggesting the strain becomes stronger. Death Toll and Canadian Government Stand on the illness As we already knew the process of virus transmission. Canadian Government as a firm stand on how we could prevent the disease from spreading and the possibility of infecting others. Deaths Province / Territory New Deaths reported (from November 24, 2009 to November 26, 2009, 11h00 EDT) Cumulative British Columbia 2 36 Alberta 6 51 Saskatchewan 1 12 Manitoba 0 9 Ontario 16 95 Quebec 5 83 New Brunswick 0 6 Nova Scotia 0 5 Prince Edward Island 0 0 Newfoundland and Labrador 0 8 Yukon 0 2 Northwest Territories 0 1 Nunavut 0 1 Total 30 309 Source: The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) The Public Health Agency of Canada has taken some steps to follow to avoid the infection through the following simple steps: 1. Use of Alcohol-based sanitizer or frequent