London, ON – With influenza and other virus activity continuing to increase over the holidays, the Health Unit is asking those who are sick to wait until they are better before returning to work or school. Between December 23rd and 30th, Health Unit staff received reports of 30 people with laboratory-confirmed influenza, 20 whom were hospitalized. So far this flu season, Pandemic H1N1 has been the predominant strain circulating. It has caused illness, which has been severe in some cases, among both children and adults. As of December 30th, the Health Unit has reported 55 local cases of influenza, 28 of whom needed hospitalization. The Health Unit has also received reports of other respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses circulating in the community.

Going back to work or school, while still suffering respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, can lead to increased absenteeism and illness in the community. Flu symptoms range from sudden fever onset, to cough, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and sore throat. Symptoms of gastrointestinal illnesses include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

"People tend to get together with friends and family over the holidays, which can provide the opportunity for viruses to circulate,” says Tristan Squire-Smith, Manager of the Infectious Disease Control Team with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Because these viruses can also spread in settings like schools, workplaces, hospitals, long-term care facilities, child care centres and social gatherings, we’re asking those who are sick to stay home until they feel well.”

To prevent further spread of illness, the Health Unit recommends the following;

• Get vaccinated against influenza – the vaccine is a good match for the flu strain circulating in the community. It is highly recommended those six months of age and over, who have not yet been vaccinated, get the flu shot.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Stay home if you are sick. Anyone with diarrhea and vomiting, especially those who work as food handlers, health care providers or child care workers, should stay home until at least 48 hours have passed since their last episode of diarrhea or vomiting AND should 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 solution of water and bleach (50 parts water for one part bleach) 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. Those with underlying medical conditions who are sick with flu-like symptoms should consult their health care provider to discuss treatment.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Tristan Squire-Smith, Manager, Infectious Disease Control Team, Middlesex-London Health Unit