The individuals have been between the ages of 7 and 46 years of age. The greatest number of these cases is in the age range of 15-24 years of age. In addition to the 8 year old that was hospitalized, a second child, 7 years old was also hospitalized but has subsequently been released. We are still in communication with hospitals on a daily basis.

• For the most up-to-date provincial cases, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health at http://www.health.gov.on.ca.
• For the most up-to-date Canadian cases, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php.
• For the most up-to-date US cases, please visit the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov.
• For the most up-to-date world cases, please visit the World Health Organization at http://www.who.int.

  
If you have experienced a sudden onset of fever and a new/worse cough or shortness of breath within the past 7 days, you are advised to stay home to help prevent the spread of illness. If you have recently travelled to Mexico or the US and are experiencing severe respiratory illness, please contact (by phone) your health care provider and inform them of your symptoms and travel history. If your symptoms are mild, it is not necessary to see your health care provider and you are encouraged to remain at home. Of course, if you have concerns it is always appropriate to check with your health care provider. The same information must be shared with the receptionist upon arrival at your health care provider.

Symptoms of severe respiratory illness include sudden onset of;

1. high fever
2. chills
3. muscle aches
4. headache
5. ocular (eye) pain
6. shortness of breath
7. extreme fatigue
    

Important steps one should take to prevent the spread of influenza include;

1. Hand Washing
2. Cough and sneeze etiquette (e.g., cover your mouth, use tissue, and wash your hands after use)
3. Disposing tissues

Travel Advisory

If you are planning on travelling to Mexico, please check the World Health Organization or Public Health Agency of Canada for travel advisories.

For more information please visit:

Cough and Sneeze Etiquette: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/cs/influenza