Influenza Season

Influenza Facts

Influenza is a serious, acute, respiratory illness that is caused by a virus. Symptoms may include sudden onset of fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, extreme weakness and fatigue. The cough and fatigue can persist for several weeks but usually illness lasts from 2 to 7 days. However, some will develop complications and may even require hospitalization.

Every year, seasonal flu affects people in the Northern Hemisphere from October to April and in the Southern Hemisphere from May to September. Annual vaccinations are available in the fall. The vaccine against ordinary influenza is 70%-90% effective.

H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)

H1N1 flu is a new strain of swine and avian flu that emerged in Mexico in the spring of 2009 and had spread around the world so completely by June that the World Health Organization raised its status to Pandemic Level 6. H1N1 has been circulating in Canada since May 2009 and in Niagara since June 2009. A vaccine has been developed and is anticipated to be available in November 2009. To learn more about the Provincial Governments strategy for delivering H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccinations, please visit www.niagararegion.ca. As well, data on current cases in the Niagara Region is posted every Friday afternoon on the Niagara Regional Public Health Departments Website at www.niagararegion.ca.

H1N1 and Influenza Information

The following PDF files provide additional information about the H1N1 virus and general flu information:

Influenza Links and Resources

There is a lot of information posted on this subject but the following are key resources for staff and area residents within the City of Niagara Falls: