The following information should be used for informational purposes only and are not recommendations made by Tony Stacey Centre but, are links and information from the Public Health Agency website. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns about the following or if you require medical advice regarding Influenza and the H1N1 flu.

Protect Yourself and Others

All strains of influenza can be dangerous; however, good infection prevention measures can help protect you and others if this virus begins to spread rapidly in Canada.

• sh your hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water or use hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand
• Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected tay home if you’re sick, unless directed to seek medical care

Prevent H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) with frequent handwashing

Handwashing, when done correctly, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Good handwashing technique is easy to learn and can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases among both children and adults.

More information on how to wash your hands.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/iif-vcg/wh-lm-eng.php

Cover your cough and sneeze

Sneeze and cough into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue. After wiping or blowing your nose with a tissue, throw away the tissue and wash your hands. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth Stay at home and avoid crowds when sick If you are sick, avoid going to work and being in large crowds as you can spread influenza easily to others. You should also visit those who are sick only if necessary.

Keep common surfaces clean

Keep personal items separate if a household member is sick. Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces around a person who is sick with the influenza. Do not share personal items or drinks. Does the annual influenza vaccination protect me from H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu)?

This year’s annual influenza immunization, or flu shot, protects against the human strain of H1N1 influenza. The human swine influenza H1N1 strain is different than the human strain. It is unlikely that the seasonal flu shot will provide protection against H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu). The flu shot will protect against the seasonal influenza, which is still circulating in Mexico.