Document Actions
2009 H1N1 Flu - Weekly Update
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 - We are now into the second wave of the H1N1 flu outbreak. There have been a total of 187confirmed cases of H1N1 in Windsor-Essex County since May. Cases continue to be mild, and 71% of infected individuals have been under the age of 30. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have launched their "You Call the Shot" campaign, encouraging individuals to get the H1N1 and Seasonal Flu shot in January.
The H1N1 Flu Clinics are now open to the general public, and shots are being offered throughout the community. The 2009 H1N1 Flu Clinic Schedule and the vaccine information fact sheet are listed below:
If you have experienced a sudden onset of fever and a new/worse cough or shortness of breath within the past 7 days, you are advised to stay home to help prevent the spread of illness. If your symptoms are mild, it is not necessary to see your health care provider and you are encouraged to remain at home. Of course, if you have concerns it is always appropriate to check with your health care provider. The same information must be shared with the receptionist upon arrival at your health care provider.
Symptoms of severe respiratory illness include sudden onset of;
- high fever
- chills
- muscle aches
- headache
- ocular (eye) pain
- shortness of breath
- extreme fatigue
We are strongly encouraging individuals to continue to practice self-care behaviours which include:
- Hand-washing.
- Cough and sneeze etiquette (e.g., cover your mouth, use tissue, and wash your hands after use).
- Disposing tissues.
For individuals who wish to check to see if they have H1N1, please follow the link to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s self-assessment tool:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ccom/flu/h1n1/public/tools/assessment/default.aspx
For the most up-to-date provincial cases, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health at
http://www.health.gov.on.ca
For the most up-to-date Canadian cases, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada at
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php
For the most up-to-date US cases, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at
http://cdc.gov/
For the most-up-to-date world cases, please visit the World Health Organization at
http://www.who.int
For further information, please visit;
Cough and Sneeze Etiquette
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/cs/influenza