Ottawa now has 40 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza, which is a 17 per cent increase from Monday.
The confirmed cases involve 26 males and 14 females. Half of those are children younger than 14 years old. At least three of the victims have experienced severe symptoms.
Symptoms of the H1N1 flu may include:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches
- fatigue
- severe headache
- sore throat
- lack of appetite
Ottawa's public health agency is now teaming up with schools to try to manage and track the flu, which has infected a large number of young people.
The city is asking schools and other public institutions to report all absenteeism rates that exceed 10 per cent.
In the meantime, health officials are continuing to remind residents to wash their hands on a regular basis to avoid spreading any flu-like virus. They also advise people to follow these tips:
- 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 often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective;
- avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way;
- try to avoid close contact with sick people;
- stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if you get sick.
Ontarians who have general questions about H1N1 flu are advised to call the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-800-476-9708.
If someone has flu-like symptoms and believe they may have H1N1 flu, they should call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.
