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Flu Q&A with Dr. Joel Kettner
1/05/2009 2:24 PM |
Live Q&A session with Dr. Joel Kettner, Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer.
Kettner answered your questions about the H1N1 flu and the measures you can take to protect yourself from the outbreak.
Flu Q&A with Dr. Joel Kettner (05/01/2009)
14:57 [Standby] We will be live with Dr. Joel Kettner at 10 a.m. Monday, May 4.
15:02 [Standby] The host is placing this Live Event into Standby Mode.
17:32 [Standby] The time has been moved to 11 a.m. This could change as the situation warrants on Monday so stay tuned for updates.
17:35 [Standby] The time has actually been changed to 11:30 a.m. Monday. Sorry for any confusion.
10:31 [Comment From Linda Wiebe ]
Our son has an auto-immune disease and was treated for Hodgkin's Lymphoma last year. We were advised in January that he and the rest of our family should be having the flu shot. I am wondering if we should pursue this at this time as a preventative measure given his increased risk? Also, what implications would this have for receiving the flu shot again in the fall?
11:14 [Comment From Rose]
My husband has travelled to mexico in march, and recently to texas should we be concerned of any flu like symptoms? How do we go about adressing this with our family doctor?
11:20 John White: We will be starting in 10 minutes.
11:25 John White: Five minutes.
11:27 [Comment From Chana Thau]
My 20 year old daughter will be flying home from Paris, via Montreal on Thursday. Does she need to procure and wear a mask? If yes, do you know whether the Canadian embassy in Paris would issue one, or direct her to a place she can get one?
11:30 [Comment From Kate]
Our family has members allergic to pennicilin and sulpha. Would Tamiflu be in the same family? If so, are there alternative treatments?
11:31 John White: And we are underway. Answers to the first couple of questions are in progress.
11:33 Dr. Kettner: It is not expected that the current flu shot will be very effective against the new H1N1 flu virus. About the need for one or a second vaccine for the other circulating flu viruses, I suggest you consult with your doctor for specific advice.
11:35 [Comment From Steve P]
What are the odds that H1N1 will reach Phase 6 on the WHO's ranking system? If it does would the ramifications be for Canadians abroad? Would it result in Embassy/Consulate closures even in countries with very low or no sign of H1N1?
11:36 Dr. Kettner: As of today, we are aware that the new H1N1 flu virus has circulated in many countries, including the USA. Usually symptoms occur within two or three days of exposure to the virus and rarely as long as one week after. With regard as to when to see your family doctor, we suggest that you follow you usual common sense for when you might need medical care. But, if you would not normally go to a doctor for those symptoms, you don't need to go now.
11:37 Dr. Kettner: As to the travel/mask question, Manitoba Health has not recommended routine wearing of masks in public settings, including travel.
11:38 [Comment From Chana Thau]
Do you know whether Canada Health is recommending wearing masks during international travel?
11:39 [Comment From Mytur Binesbrty]
If the H1N1 comes to canada, how fast can it spread and also what would we do in this crisis?
11:41 [Comment From Paul]
Do we know it the Virology Lab actively working on a vaccine?
11:42 Dr. Kettner: The six levels of the WHO relates to the extent of spread of a new flu virus. But, it does not address the issue of the severity of the disease caused by the virus. Decisions about public health interventions need to take into account severity as well as the extent of spread.
11:44 Dr. Kettner: I'm sorry, I am not aware of specific recommendations from Health Canada in regards to wearing masks during international travel. Manitoba Health and Healthy living has not recommended routine wearing of masks in public settings, including travel.
11:47 [Comment From Rose]
Schools in winnipeg have sent letters home to parents requestiong that if we have travelled to mexico to please refrain sending our shildren to school. Is this necessary?
11:47 Dr. Kettner: The H1N1 virus has already arrived in Canada, including Manitoba based on positive test results in more than 100 Canadians (with one case in Manitoba so far). Influenza is a very contagious disease, and it is anticipated that this new H1N1 virus will spread in a similar way to other influenza viruses. The response will be adjusted to the situation, including the severity of illness.
11:50 Dr. Kettner: As to the antiviral question, any drug may result in an allergic reaction. Pennicilin and sulpha are antibiotics which work against bacteria. Oseltamivir (the main antiviral recommended at this time) is not an antibiotic. You should get advice from your own doctor about if there is any increased chance of an allergy to antvirials, based on your personal history.
11:51 [Comment From Adrian]
How much Tamiflu or its equivilent has the province stockpiled?
11:52 [Comment From Chris]
I have a trip planned to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in late July. Will this whole thing be calmed down by then?
11:52 John White: Dr. Kettner will address the last two questions and that will take us to noon.
11:53 Dr. Kettner: As to the vaccine question, many experts and others at the federal lab, as well as many other centres around the world, are involved in work that would contribute to the planning and development of a new vaccine against this new virus.
11:56 [Comment From Liz]
Where is the best place to go if one feels they may have the H1N1 virus and want to be tested? How long does it take to get the results?
11:56 John White: Last question goes to Liz.
11:57 Dr. Kettner: As to the travel/school question, with respect to the new H1N1 virus, Manitoba Health and Healthy Living has issued clear guidelines that say that any teacher or student who feels well need not avoid attending school, regardless of their travel history.
11:58 Dr. Kettner: As to the antiviral stockpile question, the Manitoba pandemic stockpile includes enough antiviral to treat approximately 200,000 people with one course of treatment.
12:00 Dr. Kettner: As to the travel question - predictions about the future of this new virus are difficult to make at this time. Previous experience with influenza would suggest that this virus may be around for some time.
12:03 Dr. Kettner: As to the testing question, at this time, people should use their usual methods of getting health care, peferrably with a regular family doctor or another primary care health provider. Alternatively, personal health advice can always be obtained from Health Links-info Sante at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free.
12:04 Dr. Kettner: At this time, however, Public Health is not recommending testing for people who feel well.
12:04 John White: We would like to thank Dr. Joel Kettner for taking this time out of his very busy schedule to answer your questions directly. For more information visit the Manitoba government website. You can also email the Winnipeg Free Press and we can forward questions directly to Dr. Kettner.
1/05/2009 2:24 PM |
Live Q&A session with Dr. Joel Kettner, Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer.
Kettner answered your questions about the H1N1 flu and the measures you can take to protect yourself from the outbreak.
Flu Q&A with Dr. Joel Kettner (05/01/2009)
14:57 [Standby] We will be live with Dr. Joel Kettner at 10 a.m. Monday, May 4.
15:02 [Standby] The host is placing this Live Event into Standby Mode.
17:32 [Standby] The time has been moved to 11 a.m. This could change as the situation warrants on Monday so stay tuned for updates.
17:35 [Standby] The time has actually been changed to 11:30 a.m. Monday. Sorry for any confusion.
10:31 [Comment From Linda Wiebe ]
Our son has an auto-immune disease and was treated for Hodgkin's Lymphoma last year. We were advised in January that he and the rest of our family should be having the flu shot. I am wondering if we should pursue this at this time as a preventative measure given his increased risk? Also, what implications would this have for receiving the flu shot again in the fall?
11:14 [Comment From Rose]
My husband has travelled to mexico in march, and recently to texas should we be concerned of any flu like symptoms? How do we go about adressing this with our family doctor?
11:20 John White: We will be starting in 10 minutes.
11:25 John White: Five minutes.
11:27 [Comment From Chana Thau]
My 20 year old daughter will be flying home from Paris, via Montreal on Thursday. Does she need to procure and wear a mask? If yes, do you know whether the Canadian embassy in Paris would issue one, or direct her to a place she can get one?
11:30 [Comment From Kate]
Our family has members allergic to pennicilin and sulpha. Would Tamiflu be in the same family? If so, are there alternative treatments?
11:31 John White: And we are underway. Answers to the first couple of questions are in progress.
11:33 Dr. Kettner: It is not expected that the current flu shot will be very effective against the new H1N1 flu virus. About the need for one or a second vaccine for the other circulating flu viruses, I suggest you consult with your doctor for specific advice.
11:35 [Comment From Steve P]
What are the odds that H1N1 will reach Phase 6 on the WHO's ranking system? If it does would the ramifications be for Canadians abroad? Would it result in Embassy/Consulate closures even in countries with very low or no sign of H1N1?
11:36 Dr. Kettner: As of today, we are aware that the new H1N1 flu virus has circulated in many countries, including the USA. Usually symptoms occur within two or three days of exposure to the virus and rarely as long as one week after. With regard as to when to see your family doctor, we suggest that you follow you usual common sense for when you might need medical care. But, if you would not normally go to a doctor for those symptoms, you don't need to go now.
11:37 Dr. Kettner: As to the travel/mask question, Manitoba Health has not recommended routine wearing of masks in public settings, including travel.
11:38 [Comment From Chana Thau]
Do you know whether Canada Health is recommending wearing masks during international travel?
11:39 [Comment From Mytur Binesbrty]
If the H1N1 comes to canada, how fast can it spread and also what would we do in this crisis?
11:41 [Comment From Paul]
Do we know it the Virology Lab actively working on a vaccine?
11:42 Dr. Kettner: The six levels of the WHO relates to the extent of spread of a new flu virus. But, it does not address the issue of the severity of the disease caused by the virus. Decisions about public health interventions need to take into account severity as well as the extent of spread.
11:44 Dr. Kettner: I'm sorry, I am not aware of specific recommendations from Health Canada in regards to wearing masks during international travel. Manitoba Health and Healthy living has not recommended routine wearing of masks in public settings, including travel.
11:47 [Comment From Rose]
Schools in winnipeg have sent letters home to parents requestiong that if we have travelled to mexico to please refrain sending our shildren to school. Is this necessary?
11:47 Dr. Kettner: The H1N1 virus has already arrived in Canada, including Manitoba based on positive test results in more than 100 Canadians (with one case in Manitoba so far). Influenza is a very contagious disease, and it is anticipated that this new H1N1 virus will spread in a similar way to other influenza viruses. The response will be adjusted to the situation, including the severity of illness.
11:50 Dr. Kettner: As to the antiviral question, any drug may result in an allergic reaction. Pennicilin and sulpha are antibiotics which work against bacteria. Oseltamivir (the main antiviral recommended at this time) is not an antibiotic. You should get advice from your own doctor about if there is any increased chance of an allergy to antvirials, based on your personal history.
11:51 [Comment From Adrian]
How much Tamiflu or its equivilent has the province stockpiled?
11:52 [Comment From Chris]
I have a trip planned to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in late July. Will this whole thing be calmed down by then?
11:52 John White: Dr. Kettner will address the last two questions and that will take us to noon.
11:53 Dr. Kettner: As to the vaccine question, many experts and others at the federal lab, as well as many other centres around the world, are involved in work that would contribute to the planning and development of a new vaccine against this new virus.
11:56 [Comment From Liz]
Where is the best place to go if one feels they may have the H1N1 virus and want to be tested? How long does it take to get the results?
11:56 John White: Last question goes to Liz.
11:57 Dr. Kettner: As to the travel/school question, with respect to the new H1N1 virus, Manitoba Health and Healthy Living has issued clear guidelines that say that any teacher or student who feels well need not avoid attending school, regardless of their travel history.
11:58 Dr. Kettner: As to the antiviral stockpile question, the Manitoba pandemic stockpile includes enough antiviral to treat approximately 200,000 people with one course of treatment.
12:00 Dr. Kettner: As to the travel question - predictions about the future of this new virus are difficult to make at this time. Previous experience with influenza would suggest that this virus may be around for some time.
12:03 Dr. Kettner: As to the testing question, at this time, people should use their usual methods of getting health care, peferrably with a regular family doctor or another primary care health provider. Alternatively, personal health advice can always be obtained from Health Links-info Sante at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free.
12:04 Dr. Kettner: At this time, however, Public Health is not recommending testing for people who feel well.
12:04 John White: We would like to thank Dr. Joel Kettner for taking this time out of his very busy schedule to answer your questions directly. For more information visit the Manitoba government website. You can also email the Winnipeg Free Press and we can forward questions directly to Dr. Kettner.