Region of Waterloo Public Health receives confirmation of H1N1   |
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October 8, 2009
Region of Waterloo Public Health receives confirmation of H1N1
Waterloo Region — Region of Waterloo Public Health received laboratory confirmation of five cases of H1N1. The cases range in age from 6 to 26 years old. Four of the individuals had underlying medical conditions and two of the individuals required hospitalization (one is currently hospitalized).
“The confirmation of H1N1 cases in Waterloo Region is not unexpected,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Associate Medical Officer of Health for Region of Waterloo Public Health. “We were expecting influenza cases to increase this fall and we know that H1N1 is now the dominant strain of influenza in the world.” Most individuals who contract the H1N1 flu virus experience a mild to moderate form of illness. Laboratory testing is focused on individuals whose symptoms are severe (e.g. hospitalized) or who are at greater risk of complications from influenza.
Individuals are reminded that there are several things they can do to try and stay healthy this flu season:
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or coughing into your sleeve or upper arm (or into the “crook of your elbow”). Throw the tissue in the garbage after you use it.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) or sanitizers with 60 to 90 per cent alcohol are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread easily that way.
- If you get sick, Public Health recommends that you stay home from work or school until you no longer have a fever and are well. Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- If your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider (doctor).
Information and resource materials on the H1N1 flu virus are available at Waterloo Region’s website — www.waterlooregionpandemic.ca. Individuals without internet access are invited to contact 519-883-2000 for more information.
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For more information, please contact: Lu-Ann Procter, Coordinator, Marketing and Communications, 519-883-2244.
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