 | Update on swine flu from UCC Health Centre
4/29/2009
Dear UCC families,
As you are probably all aware, we are in the midst of a potentially serious health threat with the recent outbreak of the swine strain of the influenza virus in Mexico, the U.S. and now in Canada. It is important to note that, at this time, the cases confirmed in Canada have exhibited very mild symptoms not requiring hospitalization.
Influenza is transmitted from human to human via droplets. The virus can live on surfaces and inanimate objects for quite sometime. The most effective way of preventing the spread of disease is by practicing good hand hygiene at all times. If water and soap are not readily available, there are several hand sanitizer stations throughout the school and we kindly ask you to please use them frequently.
The Health Centre team has been working diligently to maintain up-to-date information from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Toronto Department of Public Health with regards to how this situation will be managed locally. At this point, the recommendations by Public Health focus on preventing the spread of disease and close monitoring of anyone that presents with symptoms of respiratory illness, and has a history of recent travel to Mexico, the southern U.S. or California.
We will continue to closely follow the development of this situation and will inform you immediately of any recommendations from the Department of Public Health as they become available. We also encourage you to keep yourselves informed by accessing reliable sources of information for the most recent and accurate data. We have provided a few links below.
www.publichealth.gc.ca
www.cdc.gov/swineflu
Finally, we would like to remind you of the following:
• Hand washing is the most effective way of preventing the spread of disease; please wash your hands frequently.
• Remember to always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; use your sleeve.
• If anyone in your family plans to go to areas where this swine strain of influenza is present, it is important to check with Health Canada for warnings and recommendations. After travel, please notify the school of any illness-related issues affecting members of the family.
• If you have symptoms of flu-like illness accompanied by a fever, and you have recently travelled to Mexico, Southern US, or California (or feel you have had exposure through other means), please stay home and call your family physician for further instructions.
Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact or stop by the UCC Health Centre: (416) 488-1125, ext. 2270 (Upper School); ext. 4080 (Prep).
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