04 Nov 2008
SIMCOE MUSKOKA – This year’s flu vaccine is being distributed across the province and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is making last preparations for the public flu clinics beginning November 5.
As has been the case in Ontario for seven years, the flu shots are free to all Ontario residents, and are safe for everyone six months of age and up, including pregnant women.
Last spring the number of flu cases increased in Simcoe and Muskoka to the point that a community-wide outbreak was declared, with a number of institutions affected.
“During such situations some of our most vulnerable citizens are threatened by the flu virus,” says Mary Bouffard, the supervisor of the influenza vaccine program. “Last season serves as a reminder that by getting the flu shot, people are protecting themselves as well as the loved ones around them.”
The health unit is emphasizing the importance of the flu shot for families and for people in workplaces. Pregnant women and very young children are at a higher risk of being hospitalized from the flu, as are the frail elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by a virus. It causes symptoms that resemble a severe cold, but also include fever, aching muscles and extreme weakness and fatigue. In vulnerable people, it often results in complications like pneumonia that can be life threatening.
Every year in the early winter, new strains of the flu begin to spread through Ontario and the rest of Canada. The flu vaccine is 70 to 90 per cent effective against the identified strains of flu in the community.
In addition to the flu shot, people can improve their chances of staying flu-free and avoid spreading the disease by taking good care of themselves. Some steps include:
- Avoiding stress and getting lots of rest.
- Eating healthy, vitamin-rich foods and staying physically active.
- Washing hands with warm, soapy water, especially after sneezing or coughing, before eating and after going to the washroom.
- Washing and disinfecting surfaces that might have been touched by people with the flu, such as cooking utensils or toys.
- If you are feeling ill or have flu-like symptoms, stay home.
A full list of flu clinics is posted on the health unit’s website, at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org. People can also call Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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