Public Health section and H1N1 Flu Virus
New Public Health section
In an effort to ensure the information on public health issues are available to the community we have created a Public Health section.
H1N1 Flu Virus
City of Toronto response
Toronto Public Health continues to monitor emerging information on the H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) that is currently circulating inCanada. Toronto Public Health is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor H1N1 influenza virus cases in Toronto. Toronto Public Health will continue to be vigilant throughout the coming months to determine any impact this new influenza virus has on the fall flu season.
In Toronto, confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus have had signs and symptoms that are similar to seasonal influenza. Most people with seasonal influenza do not get seriously ill. However, the elderly, very young or those with chronic health conditions may become very ill from complications of seasonal influenza.
Most confirmed cases have been acquired locally with no link to travel. It appears that the H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is spreading in a similar way in which seasonal influenza spreads-through droplets contained in sneezes and coughs and by hand contact. Do your part to stop the spread of germs:
* wash or sanitize your hands frequently
* cough or sneeze into a tissue
* if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm – not your hands
* clean common surfaces
* stay home if you are ill
More about the H1N1 flu virus
The H1N1 flu virus is a variant of normal seasonal flu that contains parts of viruses from birds, pigs and humans. Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu including headache, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults as well as in children.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms
Stay home. Try to stay away from other people. If you are sick enough to require medical attention, call your doctor. If you have traveled before becoming ill, tell your doctor.
If you have general questions about H1N1 and its symptoms
Call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or TTY: 1-866-797-0007
If you are well and have returned from an area where H1N1 flu has been identified
Continue with your normal daily routine – there is no need to stay home. Watch for symptoms of flu. Please do not seek medical attention if you are feeling well.