By Jennifer Finjan
While autumn can be a beautiful time of year in Canada, it is also the time of year when we see an increase in the spread of influenza viruses. This year’s flu season is unusual – not only are we preparing for the regular flu season, we are readying ourselves for the return of the H1N1 flu virus.
H1N1 flu virus was first seen in Mexico in the spring of 2009. Within months, it spread to many countries around the world. In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared the first global flu pandemic in 41 years. The H1N1 flu virus has also affected many Canadians thus far, and is expected to continue its path this coming flu season.
In spite of this frightening information, the public are encouraged to continue normal activities like going to work, school and enjoying life by taking normal precautions. While it is important to be well informed of flu symptoms and precautions, the general public does not need to live in fear by taking extreme measure such as avoid others, excessive hand washing and wearing masks to protect themselves.
Whatever your opinion is on H1N1 warnings and public vaccination programs, one thing is for sure – knowledge is power. Knowing how to keep healthy in this current flu season will better your chances of not getting sick, spreading the flu virus to others, losing valuable time at work and school, or preventing you from enjoying an active healthy lifestyle.
What is H1N1 flu virus? The H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses. These viruses spread from person-to-person, and cause seasonal flu-like symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people? The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu virus. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Seek medical care immediately if you are experiencing flu symptoms and you:
- are pregnant
- have heart or lung disease
- have any other chronic health problem
- are elderly or frail
- have an illness or are receiving treatments, i.e. diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS – that might affect your immune system
If your child is suffering from the flu, you should seek medical care immediately if symptoms improve and then suddenly become worse. Also, seek care if you notice any of the following signs in your child:
- fast or difficult breathing
- bluish or dark-coloured lips or skin
- drowsiness to the point where he or she cannot be easily wakened
- severe crankiness or not wanting to be held
- dehydration – not drinking enough fluids and not going to the bathroom regularly
While there is no cure for the flu, how do I ease the symptoms?
- drink lots of fluids
- avoid drinks with caffeine
- take basic pain or fever relievers (do not give acetylsalicylic acid [ASA or Aspirin®] to children or teenagers under the age of 16)
- apply heat for short periods of time using a hot water bottle or heating pad to reduce muscle pain
- take a warm bath
- gargle with a glass of warm water or suck on hard candy or lozenges
- use saline drops or spray for a stuffy nose
- avoid alcohol and tobacco
How does the flu virus spread? Seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching contaminated objects or surfaces with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, nose and eyes.
How long can someone with the flu infect others? Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. Younger children might be contagious for longer periods. If you think you may have flu-like symptoms, wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, stay at home and contact your health care provider or call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
TIPS TO STAYING HEALTHY
Get flu shots – Seasonal and H1N1: Two vaccines have been developed this fall – against seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against the H1N1 flu. The seasonal flu shot will be available in the fall, while the H1N1 vaccine will be available in late fall. The H1N1 vaccine will first be offered to health care workers, pregnant women and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Everyone who needs and wants the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccine, will be able to get one. Consult your health care provider or public health unit about this year’s flu immunization programs.
Cleaning your hands: Properly washing your hands with lots of soap and water for 15 seconds is an important way to guard against the flu and the spread of the flu virus. Flu viruses can live on your hands for up to five minutes and they can live on hard surfaces that you touch with your hands – like countertops, subway poles and telephones – for up to two days. So clean your hands often to protect yourself and others.
60-90% alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good way to clean your heads when soap and water are not available. Make sure you rub the sanitizer all over your hands. Have alcohol-based hand sanitizer available at home, work, school, in your handbag and in the car.
Cover your cough and sneeze: If you do not have a tissue, sneeze and cough into your elbow or sleeve, not your hands. After wiping or blowing your nose with a tissue, throw away the tissue and wash your hands thoroughly. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay at home and avoid crowds when sick: If you are sick, stay home! Do not go to work, school and be in large crowds as you can spread influenza easily to others. Do not visit people that are sick.
Keep common surfaces clean: Keep personal items separate if a household member is sick. Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces around a person who is sick with the influenza. Do not share water bottles/glasses or utensils with some showing flu-like symptoms.
Other Resources
Public Health Agency of Canada
Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – USA
World Health Organization (WHO)