Manitoba Health and Healthy Living is reporting five new confirmed H1N1 cases.
A male between the age of 30 and 39 from the Winnipeg health region has been hospitalized. The individual worked in the area of the Burntwood health region.
A female resident of the Winnipeg health region between the ages of 20 and 29 has been hospitalized.
Three other cases, one resident of the South Eastman Manitoba health region (a female between 40 and 49 years) and two Winnipeg residents (a female between 20 and 29 years and a female between 30 and 39 years) were not hospitalized.
The H1N1 flu virus is present in Manitoba and more cases of H1N1 flu are expected to be detected. As with any influenza type, most cases are expected to be mild and result in a full recovery, although some cases may be severe.
Severe illness from flu-like symptoms may be more likely to develop in people who are very young or elderly, or people with chronic diseases. Promoting healthy living and following routine precautionary measures can help reduce the spread of disease:
• Maintain the strength of your immune system by taking care of yourself and those in your care including eating a healthy, balanced diet, being active and getting enough sleep. If you or someone in your care has a chronic condition, get the help needed for effective care from your health-care provider.
• Cover a cough or sneeze by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve or using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
If you have symptoms of flu-like illness, such as fever, cough, aches and tiredness, you are most contagious for three to four days, but it is possible to spread the disease for up to a week once your symptoms start to appear. You should:
• Stay home from school or work while you are ill and limit contact with others to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.
• Limit touching of your eyes, nose or mouth. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue, and wash your hands frequently.
• Contact your health-care provider or Health Links–Info Santé at 788‑8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) if you need advice or care.
