What is Swine Flu and what are the symptoms?

What is Swine Flu and what are the symptoms?

Swine flu is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu. The symptoms may include fever, fatigue, a lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.

Influenza and other (severe) respiratory infections are transmitted from person to person via the respiratory route.  Coughs and sneezes release droplets into the air and onto surfaces.  Individuals may become infected by breathing in the germs or touching contaminated surfaces and not washing their hands afterwards.
If you have recently travelled to an area affected by swine flu and/or are exhibiting flu-like symptoms of sufficient severity that you need to seek medical attention, contact your health care provider.  Make sure you mention your recent travel history.
 
What you can do to stay healthy?

Everyone is advised to take the usual measures to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory illness. These measures include:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and hot water or, if soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol- hand sanitizer
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm
• Contact your family doctor and stay home if you are ill
• Practicing social distancing (minimizing contact with family members, not going out in public) while symptomatic
• Not going to work until 24 hours after symptoms are resolved or up to seven days from when you became ill (onset of symptoms), whichever is longer

Resources

For more information and updates, visit the following websites:

The Regional Municipality of York
www.york.ca

World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/csr/swine_flu/swine_flu_faq_26april.pdf
 
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php
 
The Public Health Agency of Canada has set up a hotline where you can get more information:                     

1-800-454-8302       
 
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/index.html

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has also set up a public inquiry line for the public: 1-800-476-9708. 

Hours of Operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

http://enews.vaughan.ca:80/iCommunicate/
viewIssue.do?issueId=347&memberId=2043&
releaseId=233&authCode=-96291238

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