Influenza A (H1N1)

Influenza: Influenza is a highly contagious infection which affects respiratory tracts. It is caused by a virus, called influenza, and is transmitted human-to-human through the respiratory system by inhaling droplets expelled through the coughs and sneezes of infected people.

Pandemic: We are talking about a pandemic when the epidemic is worldwide and when the viral strain is new, different from those which circulate every year.

Symptoms of Influenza

Similar to those of the common flu:

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Muscle pain

Sometimes: Nasal congestion, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Flu and vaccination

      http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/extranet/pandemie/consentement/index_en.html

Ways to protect against influenza:

• Wash or disinfect your hands
• Limit contacts
• Vaccination

Hygiene and prevention:

• Handwashing with soap and water or an antiseptic

          http://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/acrobat/f/documentation/pandemie/Lavage-Mains.mov

• Handwashing
• The use of an antibacterial soap is not necessary

• Disinfecting your hands

• Coughing and sneezing

Vaccination For yourself….and for others!

• Where to go?
• What to bring?

            ID with photo: Health insurance card
            Wear short sleeves!!!

• Stay at home or go to work?

 

Precautions and care

• Get some rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take medication to relieve symptoms (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin)
• Protect those around you
• Keep your home clean
• Get help
• Stay informed
• For a sore throat:
• drops
• Gargle with salt water (2.5 ml of salt in 240 ml warm water)
• Keep your environment clean:

The influenza virus can survive up to two days on hard surfaces.
It is important to:
• Clean counters, sinks, door handles, keyboards, and all other surfaces that are frequently touched with the hands.
• Use water with soap or domestic detergents.
• A disinfectant solution (for example, 1 part bleach in 50 parts water) is highly effective for toilets and sinks.

Resources

• Self-care guide

• Info-Santé : 8-1-1

     Questions about your health

ALSO

          As the flu causes stress and insecurity to some people, social workers and therapists are also available.

• Services Québec, every day, from 8:30am to 4:30pm, at 1 877 644-4545

• http://www.pandemiequebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/index.aspx@sujet=143.html

Frequently asked questions:

Contagiousness: According to the current data: 7 days, but more often from 1 to 4 days. An infected person can be contagious up to 24 hours before symptoms appear up until 7 days after they begin.

Most people in good health recover from influenza on their own.

When to consult:

• Persons with chronic heart or lung diseases
• Pregnant women
• Shortness of breath, difficulty or painful breathing
• Vomiting for more than four hours
• Dehydration
• Confusion or disorientation
• Children under 2 years of age

At work:

• Wash your hands often with water and soap. Use an alcohol-based antiseptic (60 to 70% of alcohol) if water and soap are not available;
• Clean nearby hard surfaces and objects that might be touched or handled by those around you (telephones, keyboards);
• Avoid greeting people with handshakes, hugs or kisses;
• Stay at home if you are sick

 

For more information about the influenza A (H1N1):