Influenza

Seasonal influenza (commonly known as “the flu”) is a serious, acute respiratory illness that is caused by viruses. People who get influenza may have a fever, chills, cough, runny eyes, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, extreme weakness and fatigue. Note: the elderly may not have a fever. Children can also have earaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications.

During the 2009/2010 influenza season, there were two types of flu viruses circulating: the H1N1 (Swine) flu virus and the seasonal influenza viruses. H1N1 (Swine) flu was a new and very different flu virus, which spread worldwide causing the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years.

Important Resources

• H1N1: For current information and resources on the H1N1 flu virus
  • MOHLTC Public Information
  • MOHLTC Health Care Professionals

• Seasonal Influenza: For information and resources on the seasonal influenza virus.

• Influenza Vaccination Information: For information on flu vaccine and Durham Region Health Department community flu clinics.

• DurhamMD.ca: Connects Durham Region physicians to online information and resources to assist physicians in their daily practice.

• Surveillance:
  • Durham Region Influenza Bulletin (PDF)
    Due to low levels of influenza activity there will be no weekly bulletins produced in July and August. Bulletins will resume in September 2010.
  • Ontario
  • Canada
  • International

What can you do to stay healthy?

	Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of all flu viruses. Wash your hands with soap and warm water thoroughly and often.
	Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (gel or wipes) handy at work, home and in your car. It needs to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective.
	Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of tissue. Cough into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.
	Avoid large crowds of people where viruses can spread easily. Stay home when you are sick.
	Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected.
	Get vaccinated yearly against the flu.
Adapted from Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, H1N1 Flu Virus, May 10, 2009.

• Six Simple Steps to Staying Healthy - English (PDF) | French (PDF)

What to do if you have symptoms of flu?

• Caring for People with Symptoms of Influenza (PDF)
• Contact:
  • TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, 24 hours a day, 7days a week
  • Your health care provider
  • Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729