What You Should Know About H1N1 Flu Virus

• What is the H1N1 flu virus?
• How does this virus spread?
• What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus?
• How long can someone with the flu infect someone else?
• What can I do to protect myself from getting the H1N1 flu?
• Should I wear a mask to prevent transmission of the H1N1 flu?
• What should I do if I get sick?
• How is the Region of Peel preparing to respond to the H1N1 flu virus?
• Can I get the H1N1 flu virus from eating pork?
• More Q and As about the H1N1 vaccine are available on the Public Health Agency of Canada's website.

What is the H1N1 flu virus?

The H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory (breathing) illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular seasonal flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and muscle aches. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. The H1N1 flu virus has appeared around the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic influenza virus.

How does this virus spread?

The H1N1 flu virus spreads like seasonal flu. When infected people cough or sneeze, droplets are released into the air. If other people are close by (within 2 metres or 6 feet), they may breathe in the droplets, which can lead to infection. People may also get infected by touching droplets on a person’s hands or droplets that may have landed on hard surfaces such as door knobs, and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have diarrhea and vomiting. Use the online influenza self-assessment tool to determine if you may be sick. If you are experiencing symptoms of flu, call TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000 or your health-care provider.

How long can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

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

The best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands after that.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
• If you hands are not visibly soiled, clean you hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It needs to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth unless hands have been cleaned.
• Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if you get sick.
• See your local health care provider or contact TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000 if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Should I wear a mask to prevent transmission of the H1N1 flu?

Individuals who are not caring for sick people do not need to wear surgical-type masks.

• Evidence shows that wearing surgical-type masks in public by people without signs and symptoms of influenza-like illness will not protect them against catching influenza from others.
• People often wear masks incorrectly or contaminate themselves when putting masks on or taking them off. This could actually increase the risk of getting infected.

If sick individuals must leave the home (for example, to seek medical care) they should wear a surgical-type mask.

• The mask traps the infectious droplets sprayed into the air through coughing and sneezing.
• The mask must fit securely over the nose and mouth.
• The mask should not be touched or adjusted while it is being worn.
• If the mask becomes damp or wet, it should be thrown out in regular garbage. The individual must clean hands before putting on a new mask.
• If a surgical-type mask is not available, a cloth mask, such as a scarf, may be used. It should be tied securely over nose and mouth. If this mask gets damp or wet, it must be removed and replaced. The damp or wet cloth mask should be washed thoroughly before being used again. Cloth masks can be washed on a regular warm or hot water cycle.
• The sick person should keep a distance of 1 - 2 metres (3 - 6 feet) from others at all times.

People who are caring for a sick person should wear a surgical-type mask if they are within 1- 2 metres (3- 6 feet) of that person.

The mask prevents infected droplets from landing on the caregiver’s eyes, nose and mouth.

What should I do if I get sick?

• Stay home from school or work until you no longer have a fever and are feeling better.
• Practise good hand hygiene.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of flu, you can call TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000 or your health-care provider.
• See the provincial fact sheet for more information on what to do if you have symptoms.

How is the Region of Peel preparing to respond to the H1N1 flu virus?

The Region of Peel is in high gear with its H1N1 flu planning to ensure that Peel residents have access to information and measures to prevent illness.

Peel has been carefully monitoring the progress of the H1N1 flu virus with the assistance of local schools, hospitals and family physicians.

We are working together with corporate and municipal partners and the health-care sector and participating in regional emergency planning and response activities.

Can I get the H1N1 flu virus from eating pork?

No. Proper cooking of pork products would kill any viruses.

Source: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care