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

SYMPTOM COMMON COLD INFLUENZA

Fever Rare Sudden Onset (lasts 3-4 days)

Headache Rare Frequent

Aches & Pains Slight Usual (often quite severe)

Weakness Rare/Mild Moderate to Extreme

Bed Ridden Rare Frequent(may last 5-10 days)

Sniffles Common Sometimes

Sneezing Usual Sometimes

Sore Throat Common Sometimes

Cough Sometimes (Mild to Moderate)

Usual(can become severe)

Person to person through droplets

◦Cough◦Sneeze◦Contaminated Surface

Rest away from othersKeep personal items separateDisinfect items & surfacesOne person as caregiverWear disposable glovesMask 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 & irritabilityNot drinking enough fluids; signs of

dehydrationSymptoms 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 child’s 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 Unitwww.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca1-800-263-3456

ServiceOntario INFOline 1-800-476-9708 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (7days/wk)

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care www.health.gov.on.ca Hotline: 1-888-668-4636

Telehealth Ontario1-866-797-0000 • Telephone assessment and triage

World Health Organization www.who.int/en/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ • American content

Fight Fluwww.fightflu.ca

Public Health Agency of Canadahttp://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/index-eng.php