Canadian Institutes of Health Research experts discuss H1N1 and the research being conducted to address this outbreak

ATTENTION: Assignment editors, health, research and science reporters

OTTAWA (November 2, 2009) - Although most Canadians are aware of the threat that the H1N1 influenza virus poses, many are unsure about how this virus could affect them and their families. CIHR-funded researchers are assessing the risk that the H1N1 flu virus represents for specific populations, along with its potential impact on our health-care system. They are also monitoring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine now being rolled out across Canada.

Experts:

Time to roll up your sleeve: the importance of getting vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus
Dr. Bhagirath Singh, Scientific Director, CIHR's Institute of Infection and Immunity, (London, ON)

Can vaccinating kids protect their grandparents from the flu?
Dr. Mark Loeb, CIHR-funded researcher from McMaster University, (Hamilton, ON)

Pregnant women: who is at risk and is the H1N1 flu vaccine safe for the baby?
Dr. Allison McGeer, CIHR-funded researcher from Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, (Toronto, ON)

Severe Respiratory Illness (SRI): why some people develop complications from H1N1 infection
Dr. Satyendra Sharma, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Manitoba, (Winnipeg, MB)

System overload: the effects of the flu virus on Canadian ICUs
Dr. Robert Fowler, CIHR-funded researcher from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Toronto, ON) 

The history of influenza: the relationship between flu viruses
Dr. Earl Brown, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Ottawa, (Ottawa, ON)

Antiviral therapies: understanding why some strains of H1N1 flu virus are resistant to antivirals
Dr. Guy Boivin, Holder of the Canada Research Chair on emerging viruses and antiviral resistance, Université Laval, (Québec City, QC)

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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health-care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

To schedule an interview, please contact:

David Coulombe
CIHR Media Specialist   
Office: 613- 941-4563
Cellphone: 613-808-7526
Fax: 613- 954-6653
E-mail: mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca