As of April 28th, cases of swine influenza have been identified in Canada, the US, and Mexico. There have been six identified cases in Canada (2 in British Columbia and 4 in Nova Scotia), and over 50 cases in the US (identified in New York City, California, Texas, Kansas, and Ohio). All US and Canadian cases have been described as mild influenza and have not required treatment.

It is important to remember that the swine flu is not a new virus; it is no different than the influenza that has been seen over the past 4 months.

If you have mild symptoms of respiratory illness, you are advised to stay home to help prevent the spread of illness. If you have recently travelled to Mexico or the US and are experiencing respiratory illness, please contact (by phone) your health care provider and inform them of your symptoms and travel history. 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;

1) high fever

2) chills

3) muscle aches

4) headache

5) ocular (eye) pain

6) shortness of breath

7) extreme fatigue

Important steps one should take to prevent the spread of influenza include;

1) Hand Washing

2) Cough and sneeze etiquette (e.g., cover your mouth, use tissue, and wash your hands after use)

3) Disposing tissues

Travel Advisory

If you are planning on travelling to Mexico, please check the World Health Organization or Public Health Agency of Canada for travel advisories.

For more information please visit:

Cough and Sneeze Etiquette:http://www.health.gov.on.ca/cs/influenza

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: http://www.health.gov.on.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada, Human Swine Influenza:http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine_200904-eng.php

World Health Organization: http://www.who.int