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Home Page > News : Human Swine Influenza
H1N1
Influenza (swine flu) and Schools
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updated November 19, 2009
NEW!
H1N1 Influenza Immunization Clinics As of Friday, November 20,
2009, the H1N1 flu vaccine is available to everyone.
What is H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)?
H1N1 Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by
type A influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of flu in
pigs. Natural changes to this particular flu virus have allowed
it to infect humans. Experts have determined that the H1N1 flu virus
can spread relatively easily from person to person.
The symptoms of H1N1 influenza in people can be similar
to the symptoms of a regular seasonal flu infection which may include
fever, cough, headache, general aches, fatigue and other symptoms.
Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat,
nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Although the vast majority of cases in B.C. have
been mild, with the patients either having already recovered or
currently recovering, steps are being taken to monitor the spread of
the H1N1 flu virus so that interventions can be implemented to
minimize its impact on society.
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Note to Parents about Flu Shot Clinics
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is holding flu immunization
clinics at a number of Central Vancouver Island locations during
November. Parents are encouraged to have their children immunized.
Information about the clinics is
available here. Please note that although some of the clinics
are being held at school sites, students will not be receiving the
immunization at school. Parents must make their own arrangements
to take their children to a immunization clinic.
Staying Healthy
and Keeping Others Healthy
The Vancouver Island Health Authority recommends the following
precautions:
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. Alcohol-based hand gels are also effective.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Infections can spread
that way.
If you develop a fever and cough, stay home and limit contact with
others to keep from infecting them.
If your symptoms become more severe contact your health care provider.
Detailed information about what you can do to stay healthy and to
protect yourself against the flu is available on the Vancouver
Island Health Authority
website.
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