Perth County – Influenza season is coming and there have already been reported cases of flu in Ontario. The Perth District Health Unit wants everyone to protect themselves from influenza this winter by getting immunized. It’s easier than ever to get the free flu shot.
Flu shots will be available at community clinics across Perth County starting on October 24 for those aged 6 months and over. The flu shot is also available through family doctors and family health teams. Most pharmacies also provide flu vaccine for those 5 years of age and over.
FLUMIST AVAILABILITY
This year, FluMist will be offered free for children. It’s a nasal spray of live influenza vaccine. FluMist is especially recommended for 2 to 5 year olds, but can be given to children ages 5 to 17 as well. FluMist protects against four strains of influenza. FluMist will be available starting in early- to mid-November. After November 4, parents interested in the FluMist vaccine for their child are asked to call Health Line, visit www.pdhu.on.ca, or call their family doctor to check on availability. FluMist will not be here in time to be offered to children at community clinics; the regular flu shot will be offered.
THE FLU SHOT
The flu vaccine is the best way individuals over 6 months of age can protect themselves and their families from getting sick with the flu. “The flu is a serious respiratory virus and much worse than a cold,” says Lorna Askes, Public Health Nurse. “The flu shot works by boosting your immune system to make it better at fighting the flu and keeping you healthy.”
Typical symptoms of influenza include a cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, sneezing, watery eyes, and loss of appetite. Influenza rarely causes diarrhea or throwing up. These two symptoms are typically caused by a different virus called Norovirus (“stomach flu”), rather than influenza.
WHO SHOULD GET THE FLU SHOT?
Everyone should consider getting the flu shot, but it’s especially important for certain groups of people who are at higher risk of complications from the flu. These include:
children 6 months to less than 5 years of age
people aged 65 and older
children and adults with chronic medical conditions
residents of long-term care and retirement homes, or other chronic care facilities
pregnant women.
The flu shot is also highly recommended for:
health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings
people who live with, or provide care to, someone who is in one of the groups listed above
those who live with infants under 6 months old and those in a household expecting a newborn during the flu season
people who provide essential community services (i.e. EMS workers)
persons who provide childcare to kids under 5 years of age
swine and poultry industry workers.
Health care workers urged to get the flu shot
Health care workers are strongly encouraged to get the flu shot to protect the patients they care for, as well as themselves and their families. Last season in Perth County, an average of 83% of staff in long-term care homes received the flu shot and 73% of staff in hospitals were protected.
2015 FLU SHOT CLINIC SCHEDULE
Listowel
Saturday, October 24, 8:30am-3:30pm: The Fisher Family Primary Care Centre, 185 Inkerman St. E. (Sponsored by North Perth Family Health Team and PDHU)
Milverton
Wednesday, October 28, 4-7pm: Perth East Recreation Centre, 40 Temperance St.
Mitchell
Thursday, October 29, 3-8pm: Mitchell Community Centre, 185 Wellington St.
St. Marys
Wednesday, November 4, 4-7pm: St. Marys Pyramid Centre, 317 James St. S.
Stratford
Tuesday, October 27, 2-8pm: Rotary Complex, 353 McCarthy Rd.
Friday, October 30, 10am-4pm: Woodland Towers, Griffith Auditorium, 643 West Gore St. (Sponsored by Spruce Lodge)
Thursday, November 5, 3-7pm: Army Navy Air Force Hall, 151 Lorne Ave. E.
Thursday, November 12, 10am-4pm: Woodland Towers, Griffith Auditorium, 643 West Gore St. (Sponsored by Spruce Lodge)