INFLUENZA and H1N1 (November 2009)

Flu like activity increased with the approach of colder weather but there are now indications that the present wave of the new H1N1 may be coming to an end in Ontario. Health Canada's FluWatch reports that intensity has been moderate and Ontario has so far experienced only sporadic activity. Flu activity, which refers to all flu like illness, including the new H1N1 pandemic strain, is carefully monitored locally, provincially, nationally and worldwide. 'Pandemic' refers to the spread of a novel virus worldwide, and does not refer to or indicate degree or severity of illness.

As in any flu season, a small subset of patients develop more serious symptoms however, the World Health Organization reports that the overwhelming majority of persons worldwide who contract the new H1N1 virus 'continue to experience uncomplicated influenza-like illness, with full recovery within a week, even without medical treatment.' Common symptoms of H1N1 are similar to seasonal flu such as cough, fever, fatigue, muscle ache, headache, sore throat, runny nose and decreased appetite. These symptoms usually resolve in about a week and probably won't require medical intervention. Immediate medical care should be sought if more severe symptoms are encountered such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, bloody expectoration, change in skin colour showing a bluish or grey tinge or high fever lasting more than 3 days. If, after seeming to resolve, symptoms suddenly worsen again, seek immediate medical attention.

In an effort to control the spread of infection, people experiencing mild symptoms are asked to stay home if at all possible. Contact your homeopath or other health care provider or call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000; TTY:1-866-797-0007) with any concerns.

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy has a history of success in infectious epidemics including previous influenza epidemics. A trained homeopath can successfully prescribe an individually selected homeopathic medicine for you to help strengthen and support your immune system as well as offer advice on nutrition and healthy life style management. Homeopathic medicines have also shown to be effective in relieving symptoms, shortening duration of and sometimes preventing illness during epidemics.

Homeopathy is a recognized health profession and is newly regulated in Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act. The transitional council of the College of Homeopaths of Ontario is currently engaged in defining the terms of regulation.

Find a qualified homeopath at this website. www.ontariohomeopath.com

For more information:

• Public Health Agency of Canada: FluWatch www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fluwatch
• PHAC Symptoms of the flu virus (H1N1 and seasonal): www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/guide/symptoms-eng.php?
• World Health Organization: www.who.int/en/
• CTV:www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091105/spread_091103/20091105?hub=Health