OTTAWA - The Public Health Agency of Canada is buying up advertising time on radio stations across the country to talk about swine flu.
The month-long advertising campaign is designed to offer advice to Canadians about how to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus.
Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer, says the information contained in the ads is nothing new.
But he says it's one more step the government is taking to inform Canadians about the risks posed by H1N1, and how to control it.
And he says the next week will or so, with kids back in school, will give health officials a better idea of whether a full-blown second flu wave is on the horizon.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq also announced updated guidelines for communities and health agencies for dealing with any potential outbreak.
The guidelines do not recommend against mass gatherings. But they do recommend anyone with flu symptoms stay away from big crowds. People who go to large gatherings -- such as graduations, family reunions and concerts -- are encouraged to frequently wash their hands.
Aglukkaq plans to meet next week in Winnipeg with her provincial and territorial counterparts to examine how all regions of the country have prepared for an outbreak that could come this fall.
