London, ON – Several viruses are currently circulating in the community, including influenza and norovirus. Symptoms of influenza include sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and sore throat. Symptoms of norovirus include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Influenza illness is increasing significantly from week to week. From November 27 to December 3, the Health Unit received laboratory-confirmation of 26 people with influenza A. As most people do not get tested for influenza, this represents a very small portion of the people who are sick with influenza. Seventeen hospitalizations and two deaths were reported among people with influenza during that week.

Norovirus, which causes diarrhea and vomiting, is not reportable to the Health Unit. However, the Health Unit has been receiving reports of norovirus-like illness, particularly from schools, child care centres and health care facilities.

"Events where people are in close contact can provide the kind of environment where these viruses can be transmitted,” says Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, Acting Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “As these viruses can spread in settings such as schools, workplaces, hospitals, long-term care facilities, child care centres and social gatherings, we’re asking people to stay home if they are sick.”

To prevent further spread of these viruses, the Health Unit is reminding those who are ill to take the following steps:

• Get vaccinated against influenza – it is not too late to get your flu shot.
• Stay home if you are sick. Individuals who work as food handlers, health care providers or child care workers should stay at home until at least 48 hours have passed from their last episode of diarrhea or vomiting.
• Clean hands frequently using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should contain 70-90% alcohol. Hands should be cleaned after using the washroom, after changing diapers, after shaking hands and before preparing and eating food.
• If you have diarrhea or vomiting, do not prepare food for others for at least 48 hours after the last episode.
• Clean frequently-touched surfaces often. When cleaning up vomit or diarrhea, thoroughly clean the area with detergent and water, removing all debris, then disinfect with a 1:50 bleach solution if the object being cleaned will tolerate it. Discard or wash all clean-up materials then wash hands thoroughly.

For advice on managing seasonal illnesses, consult your health care provider or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Media Contact:
Trudy Sweetzir, Communications Assistant, Middlesex-London Health Unit 519-663-5317 ext. 2448.

Spokesperson:
Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit