H1N1
We’ve all heard of it – we’ve all probably had it or known someone who had it as well. It’s the H1N1 flu virus, also known as the ‘swine flu’. This name can sometimes be taken the wrong way – you can’t get the virus from eating pork. It’s called the human swine influenza because the virus usually affects pigs, but has been transferred to humans.
H1N1 is a new strain of pandemic influenza (flu), a type of flu that has spread across large regions such as continents, and even worldwide. It is contagious and is spread the same way as regular seasonal flu. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, their germs can enter your nose, eyes and throat. Flu germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters, door handles and telephones. If you get the germs on your hands, you can transfer them to yourself by touching your mouth or nose – which is why hand sanitizer can be a great friend to keep close by! (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Facts
While most cases of H1N1 in Canada have been mild, as of October 22nd 2009, there have been 86 deaths in Canada due to H1N1. In comparison, between 2000 and 8000 Canadian die a year due to regular influenza and its complications yearly, depending on the severity of the flu season (Public Health Agency).
Need help?
If you experience flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home to recover. If you symptoms get worse, or you don’t seem to be getting any better, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Symptoms of H1N1 can include:
- Cough and fever (almost always)
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Decreased appetite
- Runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes)
(Public Health Agency of Canada)
What you can do
1) You can decrease your chances of getting sick by:
- Washing your hands often
- Coughing and sneezing into your arm instead of your hand
- Letting a trusted adult know if you are starting to feel sick – and telling them you would like to see a doctor
- Staying home if you are sick to avoid passing it on!
2) You can also be prepared in case you or someone close to you gets sick. Some items that are good to keep on hand include:
- pain or fever medication (like Tylonol or Advil)
- anti-bacterial hand soap and cleaning supplies
- hand sanitizer
- groceries and non-perishable food (like canned soup and juice) – just in case you are too sick to go out in public or don’t want to risk making others sick!
(Public Health Agency of Canada)
3) Get the flu shot! Unlike seasonal influenza, you have no natural immunity to protect you against H1N1 (Public Health Agency). Vaccinations can help to prevent you from getting sick by introducing a small weakened or dead version of the virus to your body, to help it develop immunity to the virus. Vaccines exist for both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.
Links
World Health Organization – H1N1
Public Health Agency of Canada – H1N1
Public Health Agency of Canada – Frequently Asked Questions on H1N1
Blog post on H1N1: When Sharing Does More Harm than Good