Your H1N1 questions answered
November 3, 2009
How do I know if I have swine flu?
If you catch influenza this flu season, chances are it's H1N1, which has become the dominant strain. It almost always starts with the sudden onset of a cough and fever. Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, decreased appetite and runny nose.
Should I still get the H1N1 vaccine if I think I've already had swine flu?
Yes, says Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Arlene King. Because you can't confirm that you've had it, there's no guarantee you have immunity.
Do I need my OHIP card to get vaccinated at a public clinic?
There is no need to bring your OHIP card, but you need to provide documentation that proves you live, work or study in the province.
How long will it take after I receive the vaccine to have immunity against the virus?
After receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine, most people will start to develop immunity within 10 days with just one dose.
If I get sick with H1N1 flu virus once, does that give me immunity or can I get infected with it again?
In most cases, when a person is infected with an influenza virus and recovers, they develop antibodies that provide them with immunity to that particular virus. In the case of the H1N1 flu virus, the vaccine will be recommended to everyone, but is not necessary for people who have had a laboratory-confirmed H1N1 flu virus infection.
H1N1 VACCINATION CLINICS
Due to a limited supply of vaccine, clinics are restricted to
those under 65 with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, children
6 months to less than 5, health-care workers, and caregivers for
high-risk individuals who cannot be immunized. Clinics for the general
public will be announced later.
List of H1N1 clinics in GTA – Tuesday, Nov. 3
TORONTO
- Metro Hall, Rotunda, 55 John St., 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave., 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St., 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, 200 Eglinton Ave. W., 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Melody Public School, Gym, 24 Strathburn Blvd., 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre, 220 Cowan Ave., 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Scarborough Civic Centre, Rotunda, 150 Borough Dr., 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- North Kipling Community Centre, 2 Rowntree Rd., 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Timothy Eaton Business and Technical Institute, Cafeteria, 1251 Bridletowne Circle, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
PEEL
Brampton
- Brampton Soccer Centre, 1495 Sandalwood Pkwy. E., 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- 11 Indell Lane, Airport Rd./Walker Dr. via Clark Blvd., 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Mississauga
- International Centre, Hall #6, 6900 Airport Rd., 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Blessed Trinity Catholic School, 2495 Credit Valley Rd., 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
DURHAM
Bowmanville
- 2849 Hwy. 2, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Oshawa
- 850 King St. W, Unit 26, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Whitby
- 3050 Garden St., 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Pickering
- Pickering Town Centre, Unit 14, 1355 Kingston Rd., 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Uxbridge
- 2 Douglas Rd., 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
YORK
Vaughan
- Vellore Village Community Centre, 1 Villa Royale Ave., 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Newmarket
- Ray Twinney Complex, 100 Eagle St. W., 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Richmond Hill
- Rouge Woods Community Centre, 110 Shirley Dr., 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
HALTON
Burlington
- Gary Allan High School, 3250 New St., 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Mainway Community Centre and Arena, 4015 Mainway, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Oakville
- Halton Regional Centre, Auditorium, 1151 Bronte Rd., 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Milton
- New Life Church, CYC Black Box Theatre, 824 Thompson Rd. S., 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Georgetown
- Gellert Community Centre, Kinsmen Hall, 10241 Eighth Line, Halton Hills, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Toronto Star