General information on H1N1 flu virus

What is H1N1 flu virus?

The H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of regular seasonal flu. Symptoms for the H1N1 virus include symptoms with fever and cough and one or more of the following: sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain, or weakness. In children under 5, gastrointestinal symptoms may also be present and fever may not be prominent.

The H1N1 Flu in Ontario, A report by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health

How does the H1N1 flu virus spread?

The H1N1 flu virus is spread in the same way that seasonal flu spreads — mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. When you cough or sneeze, you spray tiny droplets that can move up to two metres (six feet) through the air and land on other people or surfaces. These droplets contain millions of germs and are the cause of infections such as colds and the 'flu'.

People become infected when they breathe in the germs, or when their hands come into contact with germs that are on surfaces (such as toys, utensils, handrails). The flu virus can live on different surfaces for up to 48 hours. If you touch something after someone has coughed on it and rub your eyes, nose, or mouth you can infect yourself.

Are there cases of H1N1 flu virus in Waterloo Region?

Cases of H1N1 Flu Virus have been reported in Waterloo. Region of Waterloo Public Health is producing and posting a weekly flu bulletin that includes the number laboratory confirmed influenza cases (H1N1 and seasonal), and the number of individuals hospitalized and deaths due to the H1N1 flu virus. These are posted to this website each Wednesday.

Note: Only individuals who are very ill and hospitalized are being tested by laboratories at this time. Therefore, the number of individuals who have been ill with H1N1 is likely higher than the number of laboratory confirmed cases.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk of getting influenza. To date, most cases have been reported in young children, adolescents and young adults. Relatively few individuals 60 years of age or older have been infected.

How long can someone with the flu invect someon else?

People with the flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. Individuals who are sick are most infectious at the start of symptoms. Once you are well again, it is rare to pass the infection to others.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick with the H1N1 flu virus?

People can lower their risk by practicing the usual, preventative practices against a range of illnesses, that is:

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or coughing into your sleeve or upper arm (or into the "crook of your elbow").  Throw the tissue in the garbage after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer (ABHR) with 60 to 90 per cent alcohol is also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread easily that way.
• Keep commonly touched surfaces clean and disinfected.
• If you get sick, Public Health recommends that you stay home from work or school until you no longer have a fever and are feeling well. You should also limit contact with others during this time to keep from infecting them.
• If your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider (doctor).
• Get the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines (when available

Is it possible to get H1N1 by preparing or eating pork?

No. The flu virus is not found in pork products that we consume. Make sure pork is cooked through, not pink in the middle, to avoid other infections like bacteria.

How do I keep surfaces clean to prevent the spread of influenza?

Common household disinfectants will kill the virus on household items and surfaces. Mixing one teaspoon of bleach with two cups of water makes a solution that will kill the virus.

When should someone wash their hands?

• After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• After using the bathroom
• After shaking hands
• Before and after eating and/or preparing food
• When you come into contact with someone who is sick
• Before and after using shared equipment such as computers, toys, etc.