NEWS

H1N1 UPDATE

Important

Please note that due to new Ministry of Health and Long Term Care guidelines we ask that clients respect the following;

• Please do not bring children with you to clinic visits
• If you have cold or flu-like symtoms stay home and call to reschedule your clinic appointment
• If you are unwell please contact the Public Health Unit or your physician with concerns

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada Recommends:

The SOGC recommends that pregnant women get the H1N1 vaccine due to the fact that pregnant women who get the flu are more likely to develop serious complications. While basic prevention methods are important, vaccination is the single best way to protect against the flu.

Follow flu prevention measures.

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. An alcohol based hand sanitizer is also effective in killing viruses.
• Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve, not your hand.
• Keep common surfaces clean and disinfected
• Have a thermometer at home to check your temperature- a fever is 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 Farenheit or higher.
• Stay at home if you have mild flu symptoms

Know the flu symptoms.

Mild flu symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, sore joints, sore muscles and fatigue
Severe flu symptoms: shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, bloody sputum (phlegm), and severe or persistent vomiting

Act immediately if you develop mild flu symptoms:

• Start taking antiviral medication immediately. Talk with your physician or nurse practitioner about getting a prescription.
• Advise your healthcare providers that you are taking antiviral medication.
• If your symptoms worsen after taking the medication, or if you develop severe symptoms go to an Emergency Room immediately.

Stay informed:

For more information on flu preevention, visit:
www.sogc.org or www.fightflu.ca