Marathon

We are in the middle of a pandemic of H1N1 flu in Ontario.  At the present time there does not seem to be much of the usual seasonal flu in the province.

Most people who get the flu currently likely have the H1N1 strain (the swine flu variety) of the virus.  It appears that it is not as severe a flu as it was thought to be in the spring, but it may affect large numbers of people in our communities.

We want to try to ensure that you are getting the information that you need about the flu this year.  Over the next few issues of the paper, and on our website you will find updated information about the H1N1 flu and how we can keep ourselves healthy as individuals and a community.

Here are some commonly asked questions:

What are the symptoms of the flu?
The symptoms of the flu include fever AND cough.  People usually also experience  sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue.  In children, there may also be nausea and vomiting.

How do I know that it is the flu and not a common cold?
The common cold does not usually cause fever, achiness or significant fatigue.

What should I do if I have the flu?
Stay home…do not go to work or school.
Do not go out to public places where people gather (church, large meetings, etc).
Drink plenty of fluids.
Get lots of rest.
Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (motrin, advil) to manage your fever and muscle aches.
Consider calling the telehealth advisory service before coming to the clinic or hospital.

When should I see a health care provider?
All those people who get flu symptoms and  are over 65, under age 5,  pregnant,  or  have any chronic heart or lung disease should see a health care provider within 48 hours of developing the symptoms of the flu.  People with illnesses or medications that affect their immune system should also see a health care provider when they develop symptoms of the flu.   Anyone who is NOT in the high risk groups noted above but who is getting worse and is unable to manage their symptoms at home should also see a health care provider.
People with the following may require urgent care:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Confusion or difficulty waking an ill person
• High fever in an adult that lasts more than 2 days

Who should take “antiviral” medications for the flu?
The following people should receive tamiflu within 48 hours of symptom onset:

• People over age 65
• Children between six months and five years of age
• People with chronic illness
• People with illnesses that affect their immune system
• People on medications that affect the immune system (prednisone, chemotherapy,  biologics)
• People with severe influenza illness or pneumonia or who are sick enough  to be hospitalized
• Otherwise healthy people with mild symptoms do not need antiviral medication.

It is important NOT to take antivirals if you don’t need them because they may make the drug less effective in the future.

How do I prevent the spread of the flu?

• Cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve
• Wash your hands with alcohol (60-90% hand rub) or soap and water regularly and for 15 seconds each time.  Wash especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth…germs spread more efficiently this way.
• Do not go out in public, to work or school, and limit your contact with others.

When is it OK to return to work or school?
It is recommended that people can return to work or school when they have been without fever and have been feeling well for 24 hours.   The cough from the flu can last for several weeks after the virus has gone.  It is OK to return to work and school with a cough as long as the fever and unwellness have resolved.

What about immunizations?
Watch for futher information about immunization in future editions of the paper.  The recommendations for this flu season’s vaccinations are changing.  Please watch for further information.

This information is compiled from and is available at a variety of electronic sites including:

www.ontario.ca/flu (Ministry of Health and Long Term Care)
www.thunderbayflu.ca (Thunder Bay district Public Health Unit)

If you have questions about your symptoms, consider calling Telehealth Ontario at
1-866-797-0000.