News Release                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                    October 27, 2009

Influenza and pH1N1 in Grey Bruce

“Locally we are seeing an increase in influenza like illness”, states Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health. “Emergency rooms in Grey Bruce are reporting nearly half of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms. This is not unusual to see during flu season, however, we would normally see these rates in January and February, not in late October.”

The Health Unit and local Boards of Education have an enhanced surveillance system in our schools monitoring absenteeism. 

“We are seeing a small number of schools with higher than expected absenteeism related to influenza-like illness.” says health unit epidemiologist Alanna Leffley. “We are working with those schools to enhance cleaning of high traffic areas but it is most important for sick children to remain at home.”

In order to decrease the spread of influenza to others in the community, the health unit would like to remind those who are experiencing flu-like illness to stay at home. Affected individuals need to rest, drink plenty of fluids, take acetaminophen, gargle to ease a sore throat, use saline nose drops or spray to help sooth or clear a stuffed nose, and do not smoke as it is very irritating to the damaged airways. See attached Fact Sheet: What you can do for yourself when you have influenza.

Individuals with influenza like illness are generally recovering within four to five days; however, if symptoms persist and worsen seek medical care. There are a number of resources on the health unit website to support individuals to self-assess whether they have a cold or influenza and to determine when they should seek medical attention. See attached Fact Sheets: Self care decision tree for adults

A reminder to keep posted to local media to find out when you can receive your influenza vaccine, another way to prevent the spread in our community.

For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachments:

What you can do for yourself when you have influenza 

Self care decision tree for adults 

For more information:

Denna Leach

Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1462