Prevention and Symptoms
This fall and winter, there will be two types of flu viruses circulating in our communities – the seasonal flu viruses and the new H1N1 flu virus.
The H1N1 flu virus will be the main strain of flu virus circulating this flu season.
What can you do?
Flu-like illnesses spread very easily. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people become infected by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, mouths or noses.
Everyone is encouraged to follow the usual infection control precautions to stay healthy and reduce the risk of illness. To reduce the risk of illness:
- Wash your hands well and often. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains between 60-90 per cent alcohol
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand. Dispose of tissues immediately.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way
- Stay home when you are ill and limit your contact with others
- Clean and disinfect shared surfaces
You can help reduce the impact of illness in our community by teaching and encouraging your children to follow the above everyday actions. Click here to see the H1N1 Preparedness Guide, a comprehensive booklet by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Symptoms of H1N1 flu virus
H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu. Symptoms may include:
- The acute onset of respiratory symptoms with fever (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit/38 degrees Celsius) and cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain or weakness
In children under five years of age, vomiting or diarrhea may also be present and fever may not be prominent. In more severe cases, or in people with chronic health conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.
Residents are encouraged to be aware of their health and stay at home if having influenza-like symptoms.
If you have any concerns about you or your family's health, please contact your family physician or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (24 hours a day/7 days a week).
What is the contagious period?
It is important to stay home when someone has flu-like symptoms. Like seasonal flu, infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and until symptoms have resolved.
When do I get medical help?
Most cases of the H1N1 flu virus have been reported as mild. It is important to know when to get medical help. These symptoms signal a need for urgent care:
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Children |
- Shortness of breath, rapid or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Bluish or grey skin color
- Bloody or coloured mucus/spit
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- High fever lasting more than three days
- Low blood pressure
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In addition to the adult symptoms...
- Not drinking enough fluid or eating
- Not waking up or interacting
- Irritability; not wanting to play or be held
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Are pregnant women at high risk for H1N1?
Pregnant women are not at greater risk for getting H1N1. If they get H1N1, they are at a higher risk of developing complications. Expecting mothers are encouraged to practice basic infection control and seek medical attention if you are feeling ill. Pregnancy and H1N1 Flu Virus
What is York Region doing?
York Region Community and Health Services Department, along with other public health units, provincial and federal authorities, continues to monitor and respond to the situation. Emergency planning has been underway for many years to develop tools to co-ordinate a response to a pandemic influenza according to the provincial plan. The health unit has notified and continues to update, physicians, hospitals, and walk-in clinics within our area. Routine practices for infection control and heightened surveillance have been recommended. To contact us, please call our Health Connection Line at 1-800-361-5653.
For general information on the H1N1 flu virus, please call the ServiceOntario INFO line at 1-800-476-9708.
Where can I get more information and current updates?
The following sites provide the most current information on the H1N1 flu virus:
Information about eating pork or work in the agricultural industry can be found at:
Last update: November 20, 2009
Note – This information is based on the best evidence available. As more information becomes available, this information will be updated.
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