Message from the Principal
A number of parents have expressed concern about H1N1. Below is an excerpt from a communication sent our by Dr. Arlene King, Chief Medical Officer of Health.
H1N1 flu is most definitely upon us. Influenza activity is up quite significantly. It’s only the end of October and we’re already seeing numbers that we usually experience at the peak of flu season. The number of cases will likely increase as the season progresses. This is not unexpected and mirrors the experience of countries in the southern hemisphere, like Australia which had a worse than usual flu season. While the H1N1 flu affects young people more, the majority mostly experience a low rate of complications.
 In fact, I would strongly urge all Ontarians to get the flu shot. Not only will it protect you and your family from getting the flu, but it will also reduce transmission of the disease in the community.
Despite the fact that school age children are more susceptible to this flu, we are not recommending school closures for several reasons. First, H1N1 flu is community acquired disease. Second, school closures have not been shown to be effective. Third, young people tend to congregate in groups outside of school anyway and the risk of transmission would remain high. Finally, schools can encourage good infection control practices within classroom settings.
For people who are concerned about their health, there is now a self-assessment tool on the ministry’s website that helps people decide whether they have flu symptoms. These symptoms include a high fever, shortness of breath, body aches, chills, a cough and sore throat.
I would discourage people from simply going to the nearest emergency room. Use the self-assessment tool to decide whether you need to see a health care professional.
Once again let me repeat: we have a safe vaccine that provides effective protection against the H1N1 flu. Every Ontarian should find out from their local public health unit when and where their immunization clinics are held, roll up their sleeve and get the H1N1 flu shot.
DR. ARLENE KING, ONTARIO CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
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