CFL teams taking flu precautions

Officials with the Montreal Alouettes would like to get their players H1N1 flu shots as soon as possible, but they are not going to try and jump the queue.

Team officials say they will respect the criteria set down by the federal government as to who gets vaccinated first.

“We think the government has a valid point,” said an Als’ spokesman. “That said, we did a quick survey and there are players who can get the shot earlier because they have young children.”

Last week, the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League had 12 players down with the flu, though only one missed the team’s 31-3 loss to Green Bay. Two of the club’s players were diagnosed with Influenza-A, related to H1N1.

By the end of the week, only one of those two was still showing symptoms.

Worries about a possible flu outbreak have prompted NFL officials to change roster rules by allowing any team with at least six players unable to play because of H1N1 to promote up to eight players from the practice roster to replace them.

A decision can be made no later than four hours before a game.

The CFL is taking a wait-and-see approach to an outbreak, saying it will review any similar situation that arises.

“There is no specific plan in place and we will respond when and if the teams have a comparable problem,” said a league spokesperson.

Three CFL clubs contacted by CBCSports.ca — Montreal, Hamilton and Toronto — said their training staff has spoken with players about getting proper rest, staying hydrated and other preventative steps to keep the flu away.

Montreal’s training staff has asked players with flu-like symptoms to call first, so they can be assessed and told to stay home from practice if necessary.