Being prepared for influenza & a pandemic Developed by Grey Bruce Health Unit, September 2009

2 types of flu viruses circulating Seasonal flu virus Pandemic virus 2 flu vaccines developed

SYMPTOMCOMMON COLDINFLUENZA FeverRareSudden Onset (lasts 3-4 days) HeadacheRareFrequent Aches & PainsSlightUsual (often quite severe) WeaknessRare/MildModerate to Extreme Bed RiddenRareFrequent (may last 5-10 days) SnifflesCommonSometimes SneezingUsualSometimes Sore ThroatCommonSometimes CoughSometimes (Mild to Moderate) Usual (can become severe)

Person to person through droplets Cough Sneeze Contaminated Surface

Rest away from others Keep personal items separate Disinfect items & surfaces One person as caregiver Wear disposable gloves Mask use

Call you health care provider if you develop symptoms when: Pregnant Have heart or lung disease Have chronic health problems Are elderly Have illness that affects immune system

Fast or difficult breathing Increased drowsiness & irritability Not drinking enough fluids; signs of dehydration Symptoms become worse

Thermometer Soap Hand sanitizer Disposable gloves Surgical masks Acetaminophen Ibuprofen Bleach/Household Disinfectant Paper towels Tissues Extra supply of special foods, medicine, equipment

Anyone 6 months or older Needed every year Reduce risk of illness Reduce severity of symptoms

Wash hands often Hand sanitizer available Cover coughs & sneezes Hands away from face Disinfect common surfaces Stay home when sick Get the flu shot

Tracking illness in Grey Bruce Schools Parents report symptoms when notifying school of childs absence Children excluded if have: Fever & Cough And one of following: Sore throat, Aches & pains, Weakness Children under 5 Vomiting/Diarrhea may be present Fever may not be prominent Return when: No fever Well enough to participate

Visitor restrictions Remind visitors of healthy practices Signage at entries Staff exclusions 7 days after onset No fever Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Mask Eye protection Gloves & gown when necessary Hand hygiene

Grey Bruce Health Unit ServiceOntario INFOline :00 am - 8:00 pm (7days/wk) Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Hotline: Telehealth Ontario Telephone assessment and triage World Health Organization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention American content Fight Flu Public Health Agency of Canada alerte/h1n1/index-eng.php