WHO and the United States Government have declared public health emergencies due to confirmed human cases of a new influenza virus - swine influenza (H1N1). Several countries including Canada have officially reported cases of influenza A/H1N1 infection.
There are no restrictions of regular travel or closure of borders at this stage. However for people who are ill it is advised they should consider delaying international travel and people developing symptoms following international travel should seek medical attention.
There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
Flu viruses are extremely unpredictable. It is important for ROs and NOs to track new information being reported each day. CDC and WHO are encouraging all nations to remain alert and review/ revive their Pandemic Preparedness Plans
Guidance for Self Protection
What should individuals do?
Here are a few simple steps at the individual and household level to prevent the spread of diseases -including Swine flu and provide basic treatment for ill family members.
Wash hands:
Hand -Washing is an important measure to prevent the spread of common communicable diseases and will still holds good for Swine flu.
Everyone needs to wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds before rinsing, and then dry. Alcohol-based preparations (60–80% alcohol content), if available locally, are also effective if rubbed on hands until hands are dry.
People with cough and cold symptoms must wash hand after coughing, sneezing or blowing nose.
Respiratory etiquette:
Transmission of infections occurs most commonly through inhalation of respiratory droplets produced by talking, coughing, spitting and sneezing.
During an Influenza pandemic it is very important to practice etiquette's like covering coughs or sneezes with materials like tissue/cloth (including one’s sleeve) or mask to prevent the dispersion of respiratory droplets into the air and onto surfaces. Wash hands right after.
Avoid self-contamination i.e. touching the mouth, nose or eyes after cough, sneezes and blowing of nose.
Masks are not recommended for generalized (community) use.
What measures can be adopted at home during an influenza pandemic?
General Measures
Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing can travel a distance of 1–2 meters; the risk of transmission is highest when people are in close contact, generally less than 1 meter (or arm's length). In addition to respiratory etiquette and hand-washing adopt following measures to minimize the risk of transmission of Influenza.

Ø Keep rooms well ventilated, e.g. keep windows open, especially in crowded settings.

Ø Family members should limit close contact with an ill person as much as possible. General rule is maintain 1 meter or arms length distance

Ø Ill persons should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue, cloth (or cough or sneeze into sleeve), especially when receiving care.

Ø The caregiver of an ill family member should minimize close contact and maintain safe distancing (as much as possible) and wash hands. Use of masks for caregivers in the home might be beneficial in limiting transmission, but is thought to be less important than the other measures mentioned above.

Ø Persons at increased risk should not care for or be in close contact with the ill person. These persons include pregnant women, children aged under 2 years, persons aged over 65 years, and persons with severe chronic diseases or who are immune compromised. Other types of exposure like sharing toothbrushes, cigarettes, eating utensils, drinks and linens should be avoided.

Ø Keep surroundings clean ; surfaces and clothes, bed linen and scarves etc should be washed regularly

Fluids and Nutrition
Ensure adequate food and nutrition intake. Prevent dehydration by increasing fluid intake (water, juice, tea soup etc). Sick infant should be continued to breastfed. Recognize initial signs of dehydration (such as weakness, decreased saliva/tears, poor skin condition and decreased urine output) and increase fluid intake.
Management of common symptoms
In addition to increased food and fluids common symptoms such as fever, fatigue, body aches, cough, sore throat and nasal congestion may be managed symptomatically at home with commonly available medications such as Tylenol/Advil
When to seek care
If symptoms become worse, specially fever increases and there are changes in breathing pattern seek treatment right away. Avoid visit to hospitals to prevent potential transmission of virus in the facility setting.

General Q & A on Influenza A (H1N1)
Q. What is the virus?
The new and unusual strain H1N1 virus is primarily swine influenza virus, which now is causing illness among humans and is transmissible between humans. It is NOT related to H5N1 avian influenza. It is also different from human influenza A viruses, therefore;

1) Health authorities are on alert and are concerned.

2) a large proportion of the population might be susceptible to infection due to no immunity.

3) The seasonal flu vaccine even if available may not provide protection

Q. Can swine flu spread from eating or preparing pork?

Swine influenza virus is NOT spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.