Waterloo | Influenza Update

You, Work and Influenza: What to expect

27 August 2009

Preparing UW’s Campus

As our fall term commences, we are entering the usual influenza (flu) season. The seasonal influenza vaccination will be released in September/October. However, experts predict that a second wave of pandemic H1N1, will occur with seasonal influenza. The Novel H1N1 vaccine which is being prepared for Canadians is not expected to arrive before November. The UW community will be advised of all Flu Clinic dates as they become available. We may begin to see influenza illness in Waterloo Region before the H1N1 vaccine is available.

“What can we do to protect our personal health and the health of our families and community?”

Prevent the Spread: hygiene habits to protect against viruses (Canadian Center Occupational Health and Safety)

• Cover up: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough
• Toss the Tissue: Throw away used tissues immediately
• 20 second scrub: Wash your hands, especially after using tissues
• Sneeze into your sleeve: Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands
• Hands off: Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs on your hands can transfer into your body
• Keep your distance: When you are ill or not feeling well, avoid close contact with others. Stay at least 1 metre away to prevent infecting people around you.

Unwell: Is it the Flu?

The word “FLU” is often overused and misused. The most prominent characteristics of the flu are the sudden appearance of a fever (38°C or 100.4°F or more), a dry cough and aching in the body, especially in the head and lower back and legs. Usually the person feels extremely weak and tired and doesn’t want to get out of bed. Other symptoms can be chills, aching behind the eyes, and loss of appetite, a sore throat and a runny, stuffy nose.

It’s the Flu! What do I do?

At the first sign of the flu, STAY HOME or if onset of illness is while at work, GO HOME.

• Stay home: Avoid contact with others while you are contagious; influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing, people are most infectious as their symptoms start.
• Advise your supervisor of absence
• Rest: While you have a fever, you will be very weak and tired. Staying quiet in bed allows your body to fight the influenza virus.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Your body requires extra fluids to replace those lost because of fever (sweating). Warm liquids like chicken soup help loosen mucus. Try to drink a glass of water or some other fluid every hour while awake.
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprophen as recommended on the package: This will help to bring your fever down and will ease the muscle pain – unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. If not sure what to use, speak with your pharmacist for assistance. A hot water bottle, heating pad or a warm bath with a cup of Epsom salts may be soothing for muscle aches/pains. Please note: Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and antivirals are currently recommended for children less that 1 year old, pregnant women and persons suffering from chronic illness which places them at high risk for influenza. Children and young adults should NOT take Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) or any products containing ASA because the combination of influenza and ASA in this age group has been known to cause Reye’s Syndrome, a very serious condition affecting the nervous system and liver.
• Gargle: A glass of warm water gargled can ease a sore throat. Sucking on a sugarless candy or a throat lozenge can also provide some temporary relief.
• Cough: Your cough may produce mucus, if so, you may wish to try a cough expectorant; however, if the cough is dry and keeping you awake a cough suppressant may be more effective. Speak with your pharmacist for the best solution for your needs.
• Do not smoke: Your airway is already irritated; smoking will only increase the irritation.
• A stuffy nose: Speak with your pharmacist for directions as to the best product recommended for you.

When can I return to the workplace?

• Individuals working in a non-healthcare setting should remain off work until they are afebrile (no fever) without the use of fever reducing medication and feeling better.
• Individuals who work in a healthcare setting should remain off work until 7 days after the onset of their symptoms and 24 hours after they are afebrile (no fever) and feeling better, whichever is longer.

Health questions about influenza can be answered at:

• Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0007
• Waterloo Region Public Health: To be announced by the media
• Health Services Flu Hotline (beginning September 8, 2009): 519-888-4467 or if on campus, call Extension: 84467

Please do NOT go to a medical facility without first calling, discussing your problem and receiving explicit instructions to attend.