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Winter flu: The situation improves
QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 6 2013 / CNW Telbec / - The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) wishes to provide an update on the influenza-like illness (SAG) and influenza. Currently, the index remains high influenza activity in Quebec. The data analysis shows, however, a decrease in daily consultations for flu-like symptoms in comparison to the holiday season. Indeed, dated December 27, 2012, more than 10% of total enrollment in emergencies were related to SAG, against 7.4% January 5, 2013. The Department and the network are monitoring the situation carefully.
Anticipating a period influenza earlier and more important this year, the Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors, Dr. R?jean H?bert, remained in Quebec during the holiday season to make a daily monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Directorate General of Public Health, Directorate of health services and medicine and academic institutions. Although the situation is difficult, the magnitude of the epidemic has not reached critical levels in Quebec.
No pandemic
The national director of public health, Dr. Horacio Arruda, also states that we can not talk here of a pandemic. "We are not in a pandemic situation. The early flu season and its peak during the holiday season can give that impression, but our daily monitoring demonstrates that the indicators are clearly not at this level. In addition, one of the first criteria for the emergence of a pandemic is the emergence of a new virus, which is not the case. We can not compare the current situation to the H1N1 epidemic, "he said.
It should be noted that strains of influenza subtype A (H3N2) circulating in Quebec for many years. Although influenza A (H3N2) A/Victoria/361/2011 has appeared in Quebec for the first time this season, it was circulated in the southern hemisphere during the last flu season. It was therefore expected and was included in the components of the vaccine against seasonal influenza 2012-2013 in countries of the northern hemisphere. The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself safely from complications of the flu and the flu this season is still available.
For your information, during the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, the proportion of calls to the Info-Sant? 811 that related to influenza-like illness was 18.3%, while 2.9% are currently appeals. In addition, for the week of December 23 to 29 last entries in emergencies for influenza-like illness, influenza and pneumonia accounted for 10.3% of enrollments, compared to 21% during the pandemic. Also mention that at no time traffic for influenza-like illness has been as high as during the episode of H1N1.
Preventing influenza and gastroenteritis
Influenza remains a serious infection particularly affecting vulnerable people including the elderly, the chronically ill and young children. The Ministry of Health and Social Services would like to remind Quebecers to continue to be vigilant in applying certain rules of basic hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, use an alcohol- antiseptic hand in the absence of sink, taking care to cough or sneeze into your elbow, not sharing utensils or drinks, and staying home when you have the flu or gastroenteritis .
If symptoms of influenza, see the Help in the decision on the Ministry's website: www.msss.gouv.qc.ca. You will also find information to help you make the right decision on the right time and mode of consultation preferred.
In case of doubt, it is recommended to call Info-Sant? by dialing 811. Qualified nurses provide advice.
If a consultation is necessary, you can also refer to the Resource Directory by visiting www.sante.gouv.qc.ca / resource directory
Remember that vaccination is the best way to effectively protect against the flu. For more information on the vaccination campaign against seasonal flu, contact your health center and social services centers (CSSS) or visit www.infogrippe.gouv.qc.ca
Winter flu: The situation improves
QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 6 2013 / CNW Telbec / - The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) wishes to provide an update on the influenza-like illness (SAG) and influenza. Currently, the index remains high influenza activity in Quebec. The data analysis shows, however, a decrease in daily consultations for flu-like symptoms in comparison to the holiday season. Indeed, dated December 27, 2012, more than 10% of total enrollment in emergencies were related to SAG, against 7.4% January 5, 2013. The Department and the network are monitoring the situation carefully.
Anticipating a period influenza earlier and more important this year, the Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors, Dr. R?jean H?bert, remained in Quebec during the holiday season to make a daily monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Directorate General of Public Health, Directorate of health services and medicine and academic institutions. Although the situation is difficult, the magnitude of the epidemic has not reached critical levels in Quebec.
No pandemic
The national director of public health, Dr. Horacio Arruda, also states that we can not talk here of a pandemic. "We are not in a pandemic situation. The early flu season and its peak during the holiday season can give that impression, but our daily monitoring demonstrates that the indicators are clearly not at this level. In addition, one of the first criteria for the emergence of a pandemic is the emergence of a new virus, which is not the case. We can not compare the current situation to the H1N1 epidemic, "he said.
It should be noted that strains of influenza subtype A (H3N2) circulating in Quebec for many years. Although influenza A (H3N2) A/Victoria/361/2011 has appeared in Quebec for the first time this season, it was circulated in the southern hemisphere during the last flu season. It was therefore expected and was included in the components of the vaccine against seasonal influenza 2012-2013 in countries of the northern hemisphere. The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself safely from complications of the flu and the flu this season is still available.
For your information, during the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, the proportion of calls to the Info-Sant? 811 that related to influenza-like illness was 18.3%, while 2.9% are currently appeals. In addition, for the week of December 23 to 29 last entries in emergencies for influenza-like illness, influenza and pneumonia accounted for 10.3% of enrollments, compared to 21% during the pandemic. Also mention that at no time traffic for influenza-like illness has been as high as during the episode of H1N1.
Preventing influenza and gastroenteritis
Influenza remains a serious infection particularly affecting vulnerable people including the elderly, the chronically ill and young children. The Ministry of Health and Social Services would like to remind Quebecers to continue to be vigilant in applying certain rules of basic hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, use an alcohol- antiseptic hand in the absence of sink, taking care to cough or sneeze into your elbow, not sharing utensils or drinks, and staying home when you have the flu or gastroenteritis .
If symptoms of influenza, see the Help in the decision on the Ministry's website: www.msss.gouv.qc.ca. You will also find information to help you make the right decision on the right time and mode of consultation preferred.
In case of doubt, it is recommended to call Info-Sant? by dialing 811. Qualified nurses provide advice.
If a consultation is necessary, you can also refer to the Resource Directory by visiting www.sante.gouv.qc.ca / resource directory
Remember that vaccination is the best way to effectively protect against the flu. For more information on the vaccination campaign against seasonal flu, contact your health center and social services centers (CSSS) or visit www.infogrippe.gouv.qc.ca
