Province-wide study of H1N1 'swine' flu virus seeks students and seniors

TORONTO , Sept. 15 /CNW/ - The Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (OAHPP) is now recruiting another 1,500 Ontarians aged 18 to 29 and 65 or older for its landmark province-wide study of the H1N1 'swine' flu virus - an infection that has made thousands of people around the world sick this year.

The first wave of the virus has had a major impact on school-aged people, including those who attend college or university. Conversely, the virus has had a minimal impact on seniors. Determining the cause of this trend will help OAHPP to better protect the health of all Ontarians.

The H1N1 'Swine' Flu Virus Study has important implications for infection control, vaccination policies and future epidemiological research. Participants in the study will be asked to complete an online questionnaire and provide blood samples at a local laboratory. All volunteers will be given their test results.

Having antibodies to the H1N1 'swine' flu virus may mean that a person has some protection against the virus and is less likely to become infected again.

Those who are interested can visit http://h1n1study.oahpp.ca for more information or to register.

About OAHPP:

The Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion is an arm's-length government agency dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Ontarians and reducing inequities in health. As a hub organization, OAHPP links public health practitioners, front-line health workers and researchers to the best scientific intelligence and knowledge from around the world.

OAHPP provides expert scientific and technical support relating to infection prevention and control; surveillance and epidemiology; health promotion, chronic disease and injury prevention; environmental and occupational health; health emergency preparedness; and public health laboratory services to support health providers, the public health system and partner ministries in making informed decisions and taking informed action to improve the health and security of Ontarians. For more information about OAHPP, visit www.oahpp.ca.

For further information: Helen Simeon, Director, Communications, [email protected], [phone]