H1N1 on the rise

 

An influenza-like illness is most often characterized by a fever or chills plus a new or worsening cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
    
Health Unit officials report a significant increase in lab-confirmed cases this week. 14 new confirmed cases of influenza A (likely all H1N1) were reported to the Health Unit in the past week, a marked increase over cases confirmed in previous weeks.

MLHU Associate Medical Officer of Health Bryna Warshawsky said that if people with influenza-like symptoms stay at home until their fever is gone and they are feeling better, that could assist in slowing the transmission of H1N1. She also points people to the document, Caring for People with Symptoms of Influenza.

As most people with influenza do not need to see their health care provider, and for most people testing is not recommended, the number of people with influenza is likely considerably higher than the number of laboratory-confirmed cases.   

More information and links to online reporting tools for students, faculty and staff at Western can be found on Western’s H1N1 website at: http://communications.uwo.ca/influenza-microsite/