Staff
The Northwestern Health Unit continues to report an increasing number of people within the region who have been infected with the H1N1 ‘A’ virus.
As of yesterday (July 6), there have been 59 confirmed cases within the health unit’s catchment area since the first case was reported back on June 1.
Though labelled a global “pandemic” by the World Health Organization, Dr. Jim Arthurs, acting medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit, reminded the public in a press release yesterday that this label is a reflection of the spread of the disease, not the severity of illness it causes.
“Symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza, and include headache, chills, and cough, followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation,” Dr. Arthurs noted.
“We know that H1N1 is present in our region and if you have the symptoms described above, it is possible that you have H1N1,” he warned.
Some who are infected will feel only mildly ill whereas others may feel more seriously ill and have complications—as is the case with any seasonal ’flu, the release added.
The health unit continues to advise the public that since the virus is found in saliva and mucus from the nose and mouth, it can be spread through such things as talking, laughing, coughing, and sneezing.
Precautions include keeping a one- to two-metre distance from people whom you are face-to-face with, sneezing or coughing into sleeves instead of hands, frequent hand-washing, and avoiding touching your face.
If ill with these ’flu-like symptoms, the health unit advises people to stay home, limit contact with others, and contact either a health-care provider or TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
Additional information is available online at www.nwhu.on.ca or www.health.gov.on.ca
