Health Authorities In Canada Issue Guidelines On Medical Priority System During A Pandemic

July 13, 2009 11:00 a.m. EST

Ottawa, Ontario (AHN) - The federal and provincial governments of Canada are preparing to issue a priority system to help physicians make decisions on the allocation of resources in the event a pandemic hits the nation.

The guidelines are in preparation for an expected surge in influenza cases in the fall following the surge of Influenza A (H1N1) incidents across the nation. The guidelines are being made in anticipation of possible delays in the development of a vaccine for swine flu after manufacturers appear to get low yield if the virus is grown in eggs.

Public Health Agency of Canada director of infectious disease and emergency preparedness Theresa Tam admits the possibility of overcrowding exists, making it necessary for medical authorities to triage and come up with a priority system for situation when resource are limited.

First on the priority system are Canada's pregnant women. On Friday Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones released guidelines on the care of pregnant women with the H1N1 virus. The two agencies issued the guidelines after they noticed some of the women are more susceptible to serious ailments and its complications.

Dr. Butler-Jones explained in a statement, "We understand that pregnant women might be nervous about how H1N1 flu virus might affect their health and the health of their babies?. That's why we want to help inform them of the precautions they should take to help maintain their health, like practicing basic infection control, avoiding large crowds, and seeking medical attention if they begin to exhibit symptoms."

According to Aglukkaq, Ottawa has 55 million doses of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) which are considered effective treatment for H1N1 and safe for pregnant women. Tamilfu appears to be more effective.

Aside from the national antiviral stockpile, Canada has the national emergency stockpile system which will ensure provision of medical equipment and supplies to provinces and territories in the event of a public health crises. The PHAC is in the process of buying 370 more ventilators and 1.9 million N-95 masks to boost existing stock.