Influenza

Report to health unit if 20% or more of children and/or staff are affected. (tel: 705-267-1181 or fax: 705-360-7324)

Incubation period:

1-4 days

Signs and symptoms:

Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle soreness, runny nose, and sore throat and cough. Often children may have vomiting and diarrhea.

How it is spread:

Virus is spread from person to person through respiratory secretions (coughing or sneezing) or by indirect contact with these secretions (e.g., on objects, doors, phones).

Contagious period:

24 hours before onset of symptoms and infectious 3-7 days afterwards.

Exclusion guidelines:

Exclude if child has a fever. Child may go to school or day nursery if he feels well enough to take part in normal activities. 

What can be done:

Clean and disinfect soiled articles and surfaces.

Thorough and frequent hand washing by staff and children.

Vaccine available from October to April.