Monday, April 27, 2009
Ontario on alert for Swine Flu
No confirmed cases in Eastern Ontario.
The province of Ontario is working closely with its regional public health units to monitor Ontarians for any possible signs of the human swine influenza (“swine flu”). Although six cases have been identified in other areas of Canada, there have been no confirmed cases of swine flu in Eastern Ontario or the rest of the province.
“Fortunately, the confirmed Canadian cases that we are seeing have been mild so far,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the Eastern Ontario Health Unit. “However, we are reminding the public to take simple, but important measures to help protect themselves and others from getting or spreading the infection.”
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit recommends that you take the routine precautions that you would take to protect yourself from regular seasonal flu:
- Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hands.
- Stay home when you’re sick, and keep your children home when they’re sick.
- Avoid visiting hospitals or long-term care facilities if you’re unwell.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you’ve been experiencing flu-like symptoms and your condition worsens.
If you’ve recently been to Mexico or other affected areas and have symptoms of a respiratory illness, please contact your healthcare provider. You can also call the provincial Telehealth phone line at 1 866 797-0000. Make sure you mention your travel history.
For more information about swine flu, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website. You can also call the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 613-933-1375 or at 1 800 267-7120 and ask for the Health Line.
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