FRANCAIS

November 20, 2003

Influenza virus infections are a regular winter event in Canada. Cases of Type A influenza have been reported in Manitoba. Current studies of influenza viruses from other provinces have shown a mixture of Type A influenza viruses.

The number of influenza cases each year depends on the virus strain, the immunity of individuals to the circulating strain of virus from the year’s vaccine and other factors including whether a person has underlying diseases and their age.

Typical influenza symptoms often include sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle ache, fatigue, cough, runny nose and sore throat. People with these symptoms are potentially infectious to others and should take precautions to prevent the spread of influenza including covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and frequently washing their hands.

People who have severe influenza symptoms or have high fever, shortness of breath and are coughing up large amounts of phlegm may need to see a physician.

Individuals who are ill with these symptoms should avoid spreading possible influenza infections to others by staying away from hospitals and personal care homes, and avoiding contact with individuals at risk of complications. Those most at risk of complications are people with underlying chronic diseases and those over age 65.

Immunization programs in Manitoba are designed to help protect individuals who are at greatest risk of influenza complications. Influenza vaccine is provided free to individuals of any age over six months with chronic diseases, those over age 65 and individuals who are in contact with people at risk of severe complications. Vaccinations are available through physicians and private or public influenza vaccine clinics.

In the fall of 2003, Manitoba Health launched its annual influenza campaign including influenza surveillance and immunization programs for those most at risk of contracting the disease. As well, Manitoba Health sent letters to physicians and health care practitioners providing an overview of influenza prevention and control activities and provided influenza information to the public and the media.

In addition, Manitoba Health is working with its partner organizations and health professionals, and further preparing for influenza in the province by:

• developing a network of departmental and regional health authority representatives to co-ordinate surveillance, communication and actions;
• developing an advertising campaign to inform the public about precautions they can take to avoid contracting and avoid spreading influenza;
• distributing up-to-date vaccination information to physicians and health care providers;
• purchasing additional vaccine when required; and
• posting information for the public advising them to avoid visiting hospitals and personal care homes if they have influenza symptoms.

Weekly influenza statistics are available on the Manitoba Public Health website and are updated every Friday. For more information, visit: http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/surveillance/index.html.

For additional information on influenza or vaccination, please contact Health Links at 788-8200 (toll-free at 1-888-315-9257) or visit the website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html.

- 30 -