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What is it? The H1N1 flu virus – also known as human swine influenza – is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs. This virus usually affects pigs, but has been transferred to humans. Wash hands often Keep common surfaces disinfected Cough and sneeze into your arm, instead of your hand If you are sick, stay home until your symptoms are gone and you feel well enough to participate in all activities If you get flu-like symptoms and are pregnant, have underlying health problems or if your symptoms get worse, contact your health care provider.
How is it spread?
The H1N1 flu virus is contagious and is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza. This happens when an infected person coughs or sneezes and their germs enter the nose, eyes, or throat of another person. The germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, and can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose. It is not possible to catch it by eating pork or pork products or through blood transfusions.
Contagiousness
More research is being done on how long a person can be infectious (be able to spread the virus to others), but it is believed that this period is for one day before the onset of symptoms and continues for approximately seven days after symptoms have started.The time it takes between being infected and experiencing symptoms is between two and seven days.
Symptoms
Almost always:
- Cough and fever
Common:
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Runny nose
Sometimes:
- Nausea
- Vomitting
- Diarrhea
Prevention
Be Prepared
Make preparations to care for yourself and your loved ones. Make sure you have the following items on hand:
- Pain and fever medication, like Tylenol or Advil, to treat fever and headaches
- A thermometer
- Extra supplies of any essential medication, like insulin for diabetics
- Cleaning supplies, like household disinfectant,
- Soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer to keep hands clean
- Non perishable food, like canned soup and fruits and vegetables and liquids, like water and juice, in case you can't get to the grocery store.
All information taken from Health Canada
GUYS PLEASE take care of yourselves as the second season of Swine Flu has already hit.
Thank You
GD Dev. Team
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