Swine Flu, which is now being labelled nH1N1 Flu continues to be a public concern. The H1N1 flu virus (Human Swine Flu) cases in Canadians as of May 15 2009, a total of 496 laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1 Flu Virus have been reported in 9 provinces and 1 territory in Canada. There have been a total of 100 confirmed cases in British Columbia. Health Canada's website for H1N1 is updated regularly.
The most effective prevention against any flu is limiting droplet spread by covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and with regular and effective handwashing. To learn about the appropriate technique for handwashing, the Ontario Ministry of Health has an online training module and quiz that you can try.
The incubation period for nH1N1 is between 1 and 4 days from exposure. People infected with the virus are contagious prior to onset of symptoms and for up to 10 days after the start of symptoms. They are most infectious in the few days after symptoms start.
Diagnosis is primarily by recognition of symptoms, and treatment is based upon symptoms, not test results. For most people no treatment is necessary, but for those with severe or life-threatening symptoms, Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is recommended and must be started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Treatment is with 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. Using Tamiflu preventatively is not recommended.
People born before 1957 were likely exposed to a similar virus that circulated in 1957 and are at less risk.
If coming to the office for a cough and fever, patients are asked to only come in to be evaluated if there is reason to believe that treatment is appropriate, that is if there is difficulty breathing, large amounts of phlegm, chest pain, or difficulty with maintaining hydration. If symptoms are mild, it is best to isolate oneself at home and avoid contact with family and friends to minimize transmission. You should not go to work with a cough or fever.
Please let the front office staff know on the phone that you are coming to the office with a cough and fever so arrangements can be made to isolate you from the people in the waiting room. Make sure you use a waterless hand cleanser, and if possible wear a mask. Sit at least 2 meters (6 feet) from others.