H1N1 expected to hit under- 50s; flu buddies sought

During power outages and heavy snowfalls it’s usually Oak Bay seniors who need the most help.

But, if a second wave of the H1N1 flu virus – also known as swine flu – hits hard this fall, it may be seniors who are helping out younger neighbours.

In Canada, the virus has predictably struck those with poor immune or respiratory systems.

But with news recently released that healthy adults under the age of 50 are most vulnerable to complications from the virus, Oak Bay’s emergency response plans are being revised.

Provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall has asked that anyone who comes down with the flu stay home for seven days.

In order to do that, everyone should have a designated flu buddy, he said. Seniors may prove to be the best source of volunteers for individuals or even whole families that may need prescriptions picked up or phone calls made to see how everyone is doing.

“We are already poised by the nature of the services to help people out,” said Oak Bay Volunteer Services executive director Joan Halverson.

The organization is putting together plans to match volunteers with those who need assistance if there is a dramatic flu outbreak this fall.

A contingent of volunteers already make daily check-up calls to Oak Bay residents who have signed up for the “good morning” service.

Although the group has more than 200 volunteers, Halverson is happy to accept new recruits, as more may be needed this fall to man phones or to step in as helpers for those home with the flu.

“We will try to respond to any need there is in the community,” she said.

Oak Bay resident Diane Payne said she is willing to help out neighbours who may need help in a flu outbreak.

A relatively young senior at 63, she is also a Block Watch captain and says it’s second nature to help out neighbours. Even so, she has some reservations.

“In one way in relation to ordinary flu, I think it is sort of overblown,” she said of concern for a potential H1N1 outbreak. “But the good thing is, it’s making people aware of what they should be doing as a matter of course,” she said.

A vaccine for the virus, which can bring on pneumonia, is not expected to be available until late November.

To help get information out about what to do in a flu outbreak, the Oak Bay Emergency Program is hosting a workshop on Sept. 26. Experienced in hosting workshops for surviving earthquakes, the organization is taking a different focus for the pandemic session.

“(In an earthquake preparedness workshop) we talk about people having supplies so they can evacuate the home. But the message for a pandemic is to stay home,” said program head Sonja Ruthe.

Following the lead of local and provincial health authorities, workshop leaders will recommend stockpiling food, beverages and medication needed to stay at home for a week.

Oak Bay’s fire department is also a partner in planning for a major flu outbreak.

“This isn’t something we want to scare the public about,” said Deputy Fire Chief Dave Cockle. “Yes, some people are going to get the flu and some may get it worse than others.”

The key, he said, is for individuals and families to know what to do if H1N1 hits one-third of the population, as it did in Australia and New Zealand in the past few months.

“We can’t manage 18,000 people, but we certainly can manage and have contact with the organizations that are helping individuals and families. It goes back to neighbours helping neighbours.”

Mayor Christopher Causton says if the flu strikes hard residents need to have more than one plan.

“We always have to have plan A, B, and C if if is as bad as everyone says,” he said. “Younger people are usually called upon to help older people, such as in a snowfall, whereas it looks like the reverse will be true. Now people who are elderly may be somewhat immune. So I’m OK. And I’ll be volunteering.”

vmoreau@saanichnews.com

Want to help?

• Call Oak Bay Volunteer Services Society, 250-595-1034.

• The H1N1 preparedness workshop is one of four being held between 1 and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Windsor Park Pavilion. To register call 250-592-9121 or e-mail coordinator@oakbay emergency.com