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Cancer and the H1N1 Virus
During this Flu Pandemic, it is important to remember, that treatments for breast cancer will leave your immune system weakened and more vulnerable to all forms of airborne viruses, including Flus and Colds. It is critical to take steps to protect yourself from getting sick by washing your hands often and carrying waterless hand-sanitizers to disinfect your hands in public places.
Please, if you believe you may be ill, do not come in to our centre. We have many people pass through daily, most with weakened immune systems. Call for support or postpone your holistic therapies until you are feeling better. Let’s work together to prevent the spread of illness.
H1N1 Flu Virus
What to do if you have symptoms
Symptoms
Both seasonal and H1N1 flu have the same symptoms. Those can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
When you should seek medical care
Most cases of the flu, whether seasonal or H1N1, tend to be mild. However, if you do not start to feel better after a few days or if your symptoms get worse, you should either contact your doctor or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
You should seek medical care immediately if you experience flu symptoms and you :
- are pregnant;
- have heart or lung disease;
- have any other chronic health problem that requires regular medical attention;
- are elderly or frail; or
- have an illness or are receiving treatments – for example, for diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS – that might affect your immune system.
If your child is suffering from the flu, you should seek medical care immediately if his or her symptoms improve and then suddenly become worse. In addition, seek care if you notice any of the following signs in your child:
- fast or difficult breathing;
- bluish or dark-coloured lips or skin;
- drowsiness to the point where he or she cannot be easily wakened;
- severe crankiness or not wanting to be held; or
- dehydration – not drinking enough fluids and not going to the bathroom regularly.
How to care for yourself
If you do get the flu, there are some things you can do to make yourself feel better and avoid spreading the virus to others. Stay home and get plenty of rest if you’re sick. Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, particularly after coughing or blowing your nose. Also, remember to cough or sneeze into your sleeve if you don’t have a tissue available.
To ease the symptoms of the flu:
- drink lots of fluids;
- avoid drinks with caffeine;
- take basic pain or fever relievers;
- do not give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to children or teenagers under the age of 16;
- apply heat for short periods of time using a hot water bottle or heating pad to reduce muscle pain;
- take a warm bath;
- gargle with a glass of warm water or suck on hard candy or lozenges;
- use saline drops or spray for a stuffy nose; and
- avoid alcohol and tobacco.
The above information is taken from the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care website.
