It spreads the same way as any other flu - through droplets contained in sneezes and coughs and by hand contact. That is why basic actions like covering your coughs and sneezes and washing your hands can greatly reduce its spread.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

Almost everybody who gets sick with H1N1 flu have a fever higher than 38 degrees Celcius and a cough. Other symptoms can include headache, chills, sore throat, not feeling hungry, muscle aches, feeling tired, runny nose, and sneezing. You may also feel sick to your stomach, throw up or get “the runs” (anaralaq).

If you are pregnant or have a chronic illness and have any of these symptoms please call your health centre immediately and tell them about your condition and that you may have the flu.

Otherwise, if you are concerned or have these symptoms, stay at home and please CALL your community health centre or public health for more information.

What is Nunavut doing to protect you from H1N1 flu?

Nunavut is working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the World Health Organization and all the other provinces and territories of Canada to monitor cases of H1N1 flu. We have been planning for an influenza outbreak like this for many years. Nunavut’s public health surveillance system is geared to respond quickly and effectively. Our goal is to limit the spread of H1N1 flu and provide the health services Nunavummiut need.

Tips for preventing the spread of Human Swine Flu:

Get your flu shots to stay healthy and avoid the flu this season.

Washing your hands is the best way to prevent the spread of all flu viruses. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often. No special soap is required.

When soap and water is not available an alcohol-based sanitizer (gel or wipes) can be used in its place.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of tissue. Cough into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.

Stay at home when you have the flu and try to stay away from others in the house. In general, people with the flu should stay home for seven days. If your symptoms stop before then, wait one day before you return to normal activities.

Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected such as door handles, telephone mouthpiece, kitchen and bathroom counters, computer keyboards. You can use regular household cleaners to disinfect.

For H1N1 remember to care not share! Don’t share drinking cups or bottles, lipstick, or cigarettes, and remember to keep personal items like toothbrushes separated.

Latest Updates

Public Health Advisory - January 15, 2010
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Visit your Health Centre or Iqaluit Public Health to get your H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines.

Are you pregnant?

Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing complications from the H1N1 flu virus.

If you are pregnant and experience cough and fever, headache, chills, sore throat, not feeling hungry, muscle aches, feeling tired, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, sick to your stomach, or you throw up or get “the runs” (anaralaq) CALL your community health centre IMMEDIATELY.

It is really important to protect you and your baby by getting the H1N1 flu shots as soon as they are available in your community in November.