HAMILTON, ON - April 30, 2009 – The City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services is monitoring the global H1N1 Swine Flu situation. Currently in Hamilton there are three persons under investigation and no confirmed cases of this strain of influenza.
“Public Health Services is hoping for the best and preparing for the worst with this situation,” said Dr. Chris Mackie, Hamilton’s Associate Medical Officer of Health. “This is an unknown flu strain and we don’t know yet what the final impact will be. It could very well turn out to be no more virulent than seasonal influenza, but since we don’t know, we’re moving forward with planning for a range of scenarios.”
-
Public Health Services has several ways for you to get more information:For updated information about H1N1 Swine Flu, you may visit the alert on the City of Hamilton website at: www.hamilton.ca
- For information on pandemics and preparing for a pandemic, go to: www.hamilton.ca/pandemic
- For general questions about H1N1 Swine Flu, Public Health Services has a dedicated hotline at 905-546-2424 ext. 7970 or by email to publichealth@hamilton.ca. The hotline is staffed Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
Although individuals who have symptoms of respiratory illness such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath should consult their healthcare provider, individuals who do not exhibit symptoms, regardless of whether or not they have traveled in Mexico should not be seeking medical attention.
Public Health would like to remind citizens that there are simple measures to prevent to spread of the flu such as frequent hand washing with soap and water or a hand sanitizer, covering your cough by coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, and staying home when you are sick.
- 30 -
Media Contact:
Dr. Chris Mackie
Associate Medical Officer of Health
Public Health Services
905-546-2424 ext. 2169 or after hours at 546-CITY (2489)