Despite H1N1 fears, the system seems to be working

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/09/2009 (6099 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Whether it becomes the worst-case scenario with a pandemic outbreak this fall, or ends up being less severe, H1N1 is proving to be a dramatic test for everyone from Canada’s public health regulatory regime to health departments, schools, doctors and the media.

And there is no shortage of experts predicting one extreme outcome or the other. The World Health Organization warns of an explosion in cases that could double every three to four days for several months, causing the death toll to rise much higher than the 72 fatalities recorded so far in this country. But equally credible experts say H1N1 won’t be anywhere near that severe and current public health resources should be able to handle it with relative ease. The reality is no one knows for certain what we’re facing, but we’ll probably find out soon, since classrooms provide the ideal environment for the virus to spread.

Although there has been some criticism of how the H1N1 threat and communications have been handled, in particular by the federal government, we take a different view. When the virus first burst onto the scene in Mexico last spring, there was undoubtedly some over-reaction by governments, the WHO and some media outlets. But, by and large, since then, the system has worked as it should, with spokespeople from the federal minister on down maintaining a calm, frank demeanour and dispensing common-sense advice. In general, media coverage has reflected this same tone.

Given what’s at stake, the tone is appropriate. H1N1 has the potential to grow at an unprecedented rate. Along with usual higher-risk populations, it has taken a higher-than-average toll among young, otherwise healthy, people, which adds a new dimension of worry.

The federal government is assuring us there will be sufficient vaccine for anyone who wants a flu shot to get one. But the vaccine is in development, and won’t be available until mid-November, which raises the anxious prospect of an outbreak between now and then, say in a student population, with no vaccine available.

H1N1 vaccine will be in two parts, unlike other flu vaccines. One is the actual vaccine and the other is an adjuvant, intended to stretch the vaccine supply. This unique aspect is only now being tested, and is causing additional worry about the effects of the extra ingredient. Health Canada and other communicators need to be very careful and forthright about accurate dissemination of that part of the story.

Whether this ends with the worst case, best case or some scenario in between, there will be much to learn from how we react to and deal with the H1N1 threat. It may be the first pandemic of our time, but it won’t be the last, so that learning, and how we apply it, is critical.

— The Canadian Press