Many Illnesses Circulating: Protect Yourself

January 30, 2015

Huron County, ON – Many different viruses and bacteria are causing illness right now in Huron County. It’s important to know how to protect yourself and family members from getting sick, as well as what to watch for during an illness.

With Influenza A, Influenza B, Norwalk, common cold viruses and more circulating, it is especially important to do the following:

  • Clean your hands often
  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
  • Stay home if you or your child is sick
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
  • Clean surfaces often
  • Keep your vaccinations up to date, including varicella (chicken pox) for children
  • Seek medical attention when needed

Many viruses and bacteria can cause fevers and rashes. An infant younger than six months with a fever should be seen by a healthcare provider immediately. Also, fever and symptoms that last more than 72 hours, or do not respond to medications, need medical assessment. Talk to your family health care provider early if you are concerned about your child’s illness.

“While you or a child are dealing with an illness, take note of any sudden changes in behaviour or symptoms that worry you,” says Public Health Nurse Dori Taylor. “Also see a healthcare provider if you note weakness, lack of appetite, irritability or persistent crying, or excessive sleepiness. Difficulty breathing requires immediate medical attention.”

The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends seeing a healthcare provider if your child shows any of the following signs:

  • Fever in those younger than 6 months old
  • Fever for more than 72 hours
  • Coughing that won’t go away (lasts more than a week) or is severe and causes choking or vomiting
  • Earache
  • Excessively sleepy, lethargic or does not respond
  • Not interested in toys or books or anything
  • Won’t stop crying or very irritable all the time
  • Rapid or difficulty breathing
  • Diarrhea and younger than 6 months old
  • Bloody or black stools
  • Vomiting for more than 4 hours
  • Persistently wheezing or coughing
  • Dehydration (dry sticky mouth, no tears, no urine or fewer than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours)
  • Has a fever and a rash or any other signs of illness that worry you

See www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/common_infections_and_your_child and www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/fever_and_temperature_taking for more information on signs and symptoms. Visit http://www.huronhealthunit.ca/ca for more information on preventing the spread of illness.

-30-

For more information contact:

Our media contact is: Rita Marshall, Communications Coordinator, Huron County Health Unit, 519.482.3416 or toll-free 1.877.837.6143 ext. 2023 or rmarshall@huroncounty.ca

Our spokesperson is: Dori Taylor, Public Health Nurse. Our media
contact will connect you to our spokesperson on this topic

-30-

For more information contact:

Susan Cronin, County Clerk
519.524.8394 (ext 3257)
scronin@huroncounty.ca