The study will determine risk factors for infection by the pandemic H1N1 flu virus, and will help to estimate how many people are likely to get sick from the virus in the future. This information has important implications for infection control, vaccination policies and future epidemiological research relating to the flu virus.

OAHPP is seeking volunteers who live in Ontario and who are 18 years of age or older to participate. Participants in the study will be asked to complete an online questionnaire and provide blood samples at a local laboratory. Some participants will also be asked to provide saliva samples for testing.

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.