This
webpage provides parents, students and staff in
What
is H1N1?
The
H1N1 influenza virus (human swine influenza or human swine flu) is a respiratory
disease caused by type A influenza virus. This strain of the flu is a new and
emerging influenza virus that originated in swine, and is now transmittable
between people. The H1N1 virus causes an infection of the respiratory tract,
including the nose, nasal passages, throat, lungs and bronchial tubes.
What
are the symptoms of H1N1
The
symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal influenza. This includes
fever and cough and one or more of the following symptoms: sore throat, muscle
aches, joint pain or weakness. Nausea, vomiting or diahrrea may also be present
and fever may not be prominent.
Like
seasonal influenza, H1N1 can very in severity from mild to severe. To date,
most illness from H1N1 influenza has been relatively mild and self-limiting
with most cases recovering quickly. The most severe instances of H1N1 have been
in known risk groups such as the immuno-compromised and pregnant women.
What
can I do to protect myself and others from H1N1?
The
Vancouver Island Health Authority recommends the following precautions to
prevent or minimize the spread of H1N1:
•
Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm or shoulder
•
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze.Alcohol-based hand gels are also
effective.
•
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
•
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.Infections can spread that way.
•
If you develop a fever and cough, stay home and limit contact with others to
keep from infecting them. If your symptoms become more severe contact your
health care provider.
Detailed
information about what you can do to stay healthy and to protect yourself
against the flu is available on the Vancouver Island Health Authority website.
For
More H1N1 Information
Provincial
Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/h1n1
Ministry
of Education http://www.gov.bc.ca/h1n1/backtoschool/index.html