Flu more widespread
The has announced that H1N1 flu (once referred to as
“swine flu”) has become a global pandemic.Â
It is important to understand that this development refers to the
wider spread of the illness, not a particular increase in its
intensity or severity. Reports this week put the number of
laboratory-confirmed cases around the world at roughly 26,500,
including 249 deaths.
As of June 10, 2009, a total of 2,978 laboratory-confirmed cases of
H1N1 flu virus have been reported in all Canadian provinces and
territories – except Newfoundland and Labrador – with Quebec
accounting for 611 of those cases. Four deaths have been linked to
the virus in Canada. More detailed information and periodic updates
on the virus’s spread in Canada can be found on the 's website.
Fortunately, while widespread, the virus is not resulting in a
large number of serious illnesses or deaths. Most people who
contract H1N1 suffer comparatively mild symptoms that include
fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches,
headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who
have been infected with this H1N1 virus also have reported diarrhea
and vomiting.
If you have these symptoms, stay home from work or school and
consult a medical professional.Â
The H1N1 flu is managed as most other viral respiratory illnesses –
with rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever and muscle
aches. If symptoms get worse or you feel you are seriously ill,
please go immediately to the nearest Emergency Department and
inform the medical personnel of your symptoms.
It is important to remember the most effective ways to avoid
transmission of this virus are to wash your hands thoroughly and
frequently and to cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm, not
your hands.
McGill is in close contact with public health authorities in Quebec
and monitoring the spread of the virus carefully. It will be
impossible to prevent members of the McGill community from coming
into contact with this virus. The reality is that nothing will
prevent the virus from making its way onto our campuses,
particularly downtown where we are located in the heart of a major
urban area with thousands of people coming and going every day.
Some of us will very likely get a case of the flu, just as many of
us routinely get a case of the flu every winter. Again, we urge you
to take the simple, but proven precautions outlined above to help
stem the spread of this virus. Â
This message will be updated as new information is obtained.
Updates are also available at the Jewish General Hospital’s
telephone hotline at 514-340-8222, extensions 6500 (French) and
6501 (English).
For more information about H1N1 flu, please visit www.mcgill.ca/health.