Influenza (the Flu virus)
* Designated Reportable Disease
This is intended as a general guide. Consult a health care provider for diagnosis and for recommendations or advice. Notify the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit if there is a higher than usual number of cases of any disease. To report a case of Influenza, use the Reportable Disease Form or call a public health nurse or public health inspector on the Infectious Disease team at 1-800-660-5853.This disease is vaccine preventable.
How it Spreads
Contact with secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person (i.e. sneezing, coughing).
Contact with objects (i.e. surfaces, toys, doorknobs) exposed to droplets from an infected person.
Incubation period *1–3 days.
* Incubation period = Time between contact with disease and start of symptom.
How to Recognize
Sudden fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, and sore throat.
Children may also have upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, ear aches, and red eyes.
When it is Contagious
24 hours before and up to 7–10 days after symptoms begin (for children).
When to Report/Exclude
Exclude from child care and school until fever is absent for at least 24 hours (with no over the counter medications) and the child feels well enough to participate in regular activities.