Appleby College - H1N1 Influenza
Click here to download letter from the Principal
Appleby College is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its students, families, faculty and administrative staff. In preparation for a potential H1N1 influenza outbreak, the school is taking every precaution including the recent installation of 50 new hand sanitizing stations and the detailed screening of all new boarding students. Throughout the year, Appleby will monitor the situation closely and provide you with updates and new developments. The school is also working in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Halton’s Health Department and the Halton Regional Flu Steering Committee to ensure the safety of the Appleby community. If you are interested in learning more about the H1N1 influenza virus, visit the Regional Municipality of Halton website at www.halton.ca.
What is H1N1 Flu Virus?
Influenza is a respiratory disease caused by viruses that infect the breathing passages. Some influenza viruses infect only humans, others prefer to infect pigs, while yet others prefer to infect birds. The new influenza virus that was first detected in Mexico and southern California in April 2009 appears to be made up of parts of influenza viruses that come from pigs, birds and humans. New influenza viruses that infect humans can spread rapidly because no one is immune.
What are the symptoms?
Influenza, including H1N1 flu virus, typically causes symptoms of: fever, headache, chills and cough, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation. Some adults and children may experience: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza may cause worse illness in persons with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease. Sometimes complications such as pneumonia develop, including severe respiratory illness and death.
What are the differences between cold and influenza symptoms?
For a quick guide to the differences between cold and influenza symptoms, download Appleby’s at-a-glance fact sheet.
How is influenza transmitted?
Influenza, including H1N1 flu virus, is spread from person to person by direct personal contact, and through droplets that are coughed or sneezed from an infected person. It can also be spread indirectly through contaminated surfaces such as desks, handrails and objects used by an infected person. The viral particles can get on the hands of another person and be put into his/her eyes or nose. This type of transmission can be avoided by proper hand washing or use of a hand sanitizer.
How can one prevent the spread of influenza in humans?
The federal government will be deciding on the best approach in terms of developing a vaccine specific to this new influenza virus. As would be the case normally during the cold and influenza season, your own health practices are important:
1.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. It is important to wash with soap under warm running water for at least 15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not available, and hands are not visibly dirty and wet. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
2.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent viruses from entering into your body.
3.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Ill people should not go to work, school or large gatherings in public places. If you have to see a doctor, call ahead to the office, or tell the receptionist right away that you think you may have influenza.
4.
Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands.
5.
Monitor your health after return from travel for at least one week. If you develop influenza-like symptoms when you return to Canada, you should seek medical attention immediately. Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have been travelling to Mexico, California, Texas, or other areas where H1N1 flu virus cases were reported.
