How can I stop the spread of the H1N1 virus?
Ottawa Public Health encourages all community partners, from workplaces and schools to community groups and public gathering places, to promote simple infection prevention and control measures such as:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. A 60-90 per cent alcohol-based hand rub is also effective when hand washing facilities are not available and hands are not visibly soiled.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve– not your hand.
- Stay at home if you are sick
- Don't share things that go in the mouth, such as cups, juice boxes, water bottles, forks/spoons, musical instruments with mouthpieces, mouth guards, etc.
- Watch for flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever/chills, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and possibly vomiting or diarrhea. Stay home if you are ill, and do not return to school/daycare/work/other group activities until you are fever-free for 24 hours and feeling well enough to resume your regular activities.
- Clean the surfaces you and your family frequently touch on a daily basis. This includes doorknobs, counters, fridge handles, faucet taps, bathrooms, toilet flush handles, railings, telephones, television remotes and various personal items.
How does the virus spread?
Influenza is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets by coughs and sneezes. Influenza viruses can also survive on hands and on hard surfaces, such as counters and doorknobs, for a prolonged period of time. The virus can then be picked up on hands from the contaminated surfaces and transmitted when a person touches their mouth, nose or eyes. People with influenza are most infectious while they are feeling ill.
I have been in contact with someone who had the H1N1 flu. What should I do?
If you are well, you should continue with your daily activities. If you become ill, stay home until your fever has been absent for 24 hours and you are feeling well enough to resume normal activities. Family members or roommates of people with H1N1 flu do not need to stay home as long as they are well.
Wearing a mask to prevent infection from the H1N1 flu virus is generally not recommended. Evidence shows that people often use masks incorrectly, or contaminate themselves when putting masks on and taking them off, which could actually increase the risk of infection.
When should I wash my hands?
- After being in a public place or outdoors
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- Before preparing or eating food
- After touching animals
- After visiting the washroom
- Before and after visiting with people who are sick
- Before and after changing contact lenses
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