Health and Wellness

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H1N1 Flu Outbreak

Tue, 7 Jan, 2014

As students return from the winter break, our attention turns to the concern of the H1N1 influenza. In the last few months, there have been 965 lab-confirmed cases of influenza in Alberta, with the H1N1 strain representing 920 of those cases. 

Due to the H1N1 concern, Alberta Health Minister Fred Horne is encouraging people who have not been immunized against influenza to do so as soon as possible. Albertans can get a free flu shot at Alberta Health Services’ public immunization clinics, as well as at some pharmacies and doctor’s offices. For more information, visit: Alberta Health Services or call Health Link at 780-408-5465.

To keep your children and family healthy:

• make a habit of washing your hands often. Wash your hands well with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer.
• keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth since the virus can enter your body this way.
• cover your cough by coughing or sneezing into your upper sleeve, or cover your mouth with a tissue.

Symptoms of H1N1 can be similar to the flu and include fever, cough, chills, headache, muscle pain, and a sore throat. Some people with H1N1 influenza have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in addition to a cough and fever symptoms.

Please monitor your child’s health and if your child has the flu, keep them home for 24 hours after the symptoms have disappeared. All staff and students are reminded to reduce the spread of germs by washing their hands frequently, covering coughs and staying home from school if they feel ill.