Young people can be among those hardest hit by this virus.
Given that those involved in soccer competitions often live in close
contact with teammates and other competitors it makes sense for all of
us involved in sport to be aware of how we might minimize the risk of
transmission of the flu…and understand how to deal with those who might
develop flu-like symptoms in the course of participating in events or
tournaments.
The advice provided to the general public to avoid the H1N1 virus,
and other illnesses, also applies to athletes and those involved with
sports in their communities. It is important for everyone, both at
home, at work and at play, to follow these simple hygiene tips to help
avoid becoming ill or spreading viruses:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water
or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
– Wash your hands every time you pass a sink!
- Bring alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you to competitions and training where soap and water may not be readily available;
- Don’t share water bottles or other drinking/eating
utensils with other athletes; Educate players and coaches to bring
their own water bottles, suitably identified with name and player
number.
- Cough into your arm or sleeve. Tissues can be used to
cover coughs and sneezes, but be sure to wash your hands after throwing
out the tissue;
- Clean shared-use equipment and common touch surfaces
(e.g. handrails, door knobs, computer keyboards) regularly with
household cleaner or disinfectant wipes.
- In residences or hotels ensure that players and coaches
avoid mixing towels & face cloths – and try to keep rooms as clean
and tidy as possible!
- If a player or official begins to develop symptoms of a
flu-like illness (fever, cough, muscle pain, headache) move them to a
room of their own if possible. Those with such symptoms should stay
away from practices, games or tournaments until they are feeling well
and able to resume normal activities. Anyone with flu-like symptoms
should not be participating in, or attending practices, games or other
events.
Players can safely participate in the FIFA Fair Play shake hands at
the start/end of a game. All normal practices are safe, as long as
proper hygiene procedures are followed.
In general, successful preventive practices consist of “… doing ordinary things extraordinarily well …”.
Contact local public health officials if questions or concerns arise or visit Health Canada website www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php for the latest information.
Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms
|
Symptom
|
Cold
|
H1N1 Flu
|
|
Fever
|
Fever is rare with a cold.
|
Fever
is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A
temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the
flu.
|
|
Coughing
|
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
|
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
|
|
Aches
|
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
|
Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
|
|
Stuffy Nose
|
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
|
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
|
|
Chills
|
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
|
60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
|
|
Tiredness
|
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
|
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
|
|
Sneezing
|
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
|
Sneezing is not common with the flu.
|
|
Sudden Symptoms
|
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
|
The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
|
|
Headache
|
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
|
A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
|
|
Sore Throat
|
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
|
Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
|
|
Chest Discomfort
|
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
|
Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.
|
The H1N1 flu is a respiratory illness caused by a type A influenza virus
Typical symptoms are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and can include:
- Fever
- Weakness/Fever
- Lack of Appetite
- Coughing
- Sore Throat
- Headache
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- Congestion
- Runny Nose
In some cases, these symptoms are accompanied by:
- nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
If you are sick with the flu or attending to a family member with
flu who is dependent upon you for health care, do not come to the
Soccer Centre.
In some cases, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported in people with H1N1 flu.
Like seasonal flu, the H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Spread of the H1N1 flu virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing
or sneezing. Sometimes people become infected by touching contaminated
objects or surfaces and then touching their mouths or noses.
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and until symptoms have resolved.
That means that people can pass on the flu to others before they realize they are sick.
Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
The Epidemiologic Triad
HOST Factors
ENVIRONMENT Factors
AGENT Factors
NB. Hand Shaking???NO??? Recommendations
Frequent Hand Washing is recommended!
Provided by Dr. R. Gringmuth, Chair, Medical Advisory Committee OSA
