H1N1 Flu Information
Buses are as safe as any other public area and people who use transit should continue to do so. In response to the H1N1 influenza (sometimes referred to as “swine flu”) Winnipeg Transit has distributed information to employees that includes advice on how to reduce their chances of getting the flu, how to identify symptoms and what to do if they feel ill. Because H1N1 flu is spread through person to person contact, Winnipeg Transit is also advising customers to take basic precautions to protect themselves, their fellow riders and our employees.
To reduce your risk of getting the flu, please remember these basic tips;
- Avoid close contact with others
- Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand
- Wash your hands often and limit touching your eyes and mouth
- For more information on flu-related topics, including prevention, visit www.gov.mb.ca/flu/index.html
To help limit the spread of the flu and to protect our staff and customers, we ask anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay home until they feel well enough to resume daily activities. Be sure to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m worried about getting the flu, how safe is public transit?
- People who take transit should continue to do so – buses are as safe as any other public area.
- To reduce your risk of getting the flu, please remember these basic tips;
- Avoid close contact with others
- Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand
- Wash your hands often and limit touching your eyes and mouth
- To help limit the spread of the flu and to protect our staff and customers, we ask anyone experiencing flu like symptoms to stay home until they feel well enough to resume daily activities. Be sure to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
What precautionary measures are being taken by Winnipeg Transit to reduce the spread of the flu?
- Winnipeg Transit deals with large numbers of people on a regular basis and already has sanitation procedures in place to help protect customers and employees.
- Winnipeg Transit is disinfecting interior (touch) surfaces of buses including handrails, fare boxes, etc., with high-grade germicidal solutions and will take additional measures as appropriate.
- Winnipeg Transit is providing personal hand sanitizers to our employees.
- While there are no hand sanitizer dispensers installed on any of our buses customers are certainly welcome to supply and use their own hand-sanitizing gels or disinfecting wipes.
- We encourage all persons on board our buses to practice good respiratory etiquette – this includes the practice of coughing or sneezing into your sleeve or arm.
How are seasonal influenza and H1N1 spread?
- Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others.
- Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked up on hands and transferred to the lungs when someone touches their mouth and/or nose.
- For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/flu/index.html
What can I do to reduce the chance of spreading or getting the flu?
- Wash your hands with soap and water, or hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cough and sneeze into your arm or sleeve.
- Do not share drinking glasses, water bottles, eating utensils, etc.
Should I wear a mask to prevent getting the flu while I’m in a public area?
- The Public Health Agency of Canada does not recommend that members of the general public wear surgical masks to protect against contracting H1N1 Flu Virus. Evidence shows that this is not effective in preventing transmission of influenza in the general public. People often use masks incorrectly or contaminate themselves when putting masks on and taking them off, which could actually increase the risk of infection.
- The exception is people who are ill with H1N1 Flu Virus or people who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms. In order to protect those in close contact, like doctors, nurses, and caregivers at home, these people may be asked to wear a face mask.
What are some of the symptoms of seasonal influenza and H1N1?
Seasonal influenza and H1N1 share the same set of symptoms. They are fever and/or cough, and one or more of the following:
- Unusual tiredness;
- Headache;
- Muscle or joint aches;
- Sore throat;
- Vomiting and diarrhea in children less than 5 years of age
- For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/flu/index.html
How can I protect myself and others?
Good infection prevention measures can help protect you and others from the H1N1 virus;
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water or use hand sanitizer
- Cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand
- Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected
- Stay home if you’re sick, unless directed to seek medical care
- If you are sick, avoid going to work and being in large crowds as you can spread influenza easily to others.
- Keep personal items separate if a household member is sick. Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces around a person who is sick with the influenza.
- Do not share drinking glasses, water bottles, eating utensils, etc.
If I am feeling sick, what should I do?
- If you are sick, stay home from work, school or social settings. Avoid close contact with others until you are feeling well and able to resume normal day-to-day activities.
- Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.