Pandemic Preparedness
Pandemic Influenza: Preparing for H1N1
The H1N1 Flu Virus has been reported around the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic influenza virus. At Canadian Blood Services, we are continuously monitoring the situation across Canada and are consulting and collaborating with numerous levels and branches of government, as well as with hospitals, suppliers and operators of other blood systems.
Because a flu pandemic could seriously impact the blood system, Canadian Blood Services is taking a strategic approach and has developed an emergency preparedness plan to allow us to respond quickly if an severe influenza pandemic were to occur in any area of the country.
Safety of the blood system remains our top priority.
The health and safety of recipients, donors, volunteers, and employees is of the highest importance to Canadian Blood Services at all times. Safety is the overriding principle that has guided Canadian Blood Services' decisions and service delivery since we took over operation of Canada's blood system (excluding Québec) in 1998.
Giving and receiving blood is safe; you cannot get the flu (seasonal or H1N1) by giving or receiving blood or blood products. No cases of transfusion transmission of respiratory viruses, such as influenza, have been reported. These viruses are usually spread by droplets through the respiratory route or by direct contact.
At the present time, there is no additional risk to the blood supply requiring extra screening measures.
Impact on the blood system
As we understand pandemic influenza today, the principal threat to the blood system would be our ability to collect sufficient quantities of blood to meet the need of Canadian patients. This is because:
- A significant number of donors may not be available to donate during a pandemic, and
- Like every other employer, we may experience significant staff and volunteer absenteeism. A shortage of staff and volunteers will affect our ability to collect, test, process, and distribute blood.
Canadian Blood Services takes action
At Canadian Blood Services, an emergency preparedness plan has been created that covers all areas of our organization. Being prepared is a priority issue for Canadian Blood Services. All levels of the organization, from our Board of Directors to the front lines, are prepared to quickly and effectively respond to a severe influenza pandemic so that we can maintain critical operations.
For more information, please read Influenza Update: Important Information For All Donors.
Look to this location for more information as it becomes available.
Proven track record
Canadian Blood Services has a strong record of responding quickly and effectively to public health issues, as demonstrated in recent years with West Nile Virus, vCJD and SARS. We are confident that in the event of a pandemic we will continue to deliver on our promise to Canadians by providing safe blood and blood products.
What should you do?
During a pandemic, we will be counting on our donors — more than ever — to ensure an ample and safe supply of blood and blood products for those in need.
Donated blood is needed to save lives every day. Attending blood donor clinics should remain a priority for all who are healthy, including donors who have completely recovered from the flu.
There are some simple, common-sense ways that you can help fight the spread of infection and illness, including influenza.
- Get a flu shot
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot. Note: You must wait 48 hours after your flu shot to donate blood or blood products.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
Washing your hands frequently with soap (it does not need to be antibacterial soap) and water will help protect you from all sorts of germs and viruses. Wash immediately after any cough or sneeze or after touching common surfaces that may be contaminated.
- Avoid close contact with the ill
Avoid close contact with people who are sick and when you are sick. Keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Stay home when you are sick
If possible, stay home from work or school, and do not run errands when you are sick. Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. You will feel better faster and you will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, throw away the tissue…then wash your hands!
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Sources: Health Canada-It's your health, Centers for Disease Control
Questions and Answers: Seasonal flu and H1N1
For more information, please read the Canadian Blood Services information brochure: Preparing for the Flu:
Information for You and Your Family.
Donor Eligibility and Self-Check: To determine if you are healthy enough to donate today, please take our donor self-check. People who may be experiencing flu-like symptoms are encouraged to take this self-check. If you have questions about your eligibility to donate for this or other reasons, please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
To book an appointment to donate, get clinic details, or ask about your eligibility to donate, please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) today!
For more information:
Please visit our Contact Us page for a listing of contact details.
Please visit our Media Contacts page.
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