Get facts on H1N1

Over the past few months, there has been a lot of talk about the new strain of flu that has hit Canada, and many other countries around the world. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) anticipates the H1N1 flu virus will be the primary flu virus effecting Canadians this season.

Like all strains of influenza, H1N1 is usually a mild illness; however, it can still make you feel miserable and sometimes cause very serious illness. Symptoms include cough and fever, and sometimes fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, decreased appetite and runny nose. Unlike other types of flu, stomach problems including vomitting and diarrhea have also been associated with the H1N1 flu virus.

We should all take the flu seriously. There are many simple precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family:

• Wash your hands frequently;

• Keep your hands away from your face;

• Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand;

• Keep common surfaces clean and disinfected;

• Get immunized; and

• If you are sick, stay home until your symptoms are gone and you feel ready to take part in all your normal activities.

These are things we can all start doing right now. Over the next few weeks you will hear from your provincial health department about how you can get vaccinated against H1N1. Immunization is one of our strongest lines of defence against the flu. This year it is even more important to get vaccinated because H1N1 is a new virus strain that our bodies have little or no immunity to. Getting vaccinated not only protects us from infection, it also helps prevent its spread within our local communities.

Most people who do contract H1N1 feel better after a few days resting at home, with the help of common pain and fever medicine. As the flu season approaches, you can prepare your home by stocking up on such items as soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizers, pain and fever medicine, a thermometer, and non-perishable food and beverages.

Unfortunately, for some, H1N1 can develop into a more serious illness. Typically, this group of people have underlying conditions, including asthma, weakened immune systems, or other diseases. Pregnant women are also especially vulnerable to the flu. If you are in one of these vulnerable groups and you begin to experience symptoms of H1N1, you should seek medical advice, especially if you start to experience trouble breathing.

For more information on H1N1, and to get your copy of the new H1N1 Preparedness Guide, please visit www.fightflu.ca. If you have questions, you can contact the Public Health Agency of Canada H1N1 flu hotline at 1-800-454-8302. Remember, knowledge is our best defence. If we all do our part we can prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.

Dr. David Butler-Jones is Canada’s first Chief Public Health Officer and is head of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

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