It is not too late to get your flu shot!
Influenza Immunization and
Clinic Information 2011 - there are currently no planned clinics in the region. Call your local public health office for more information on how you can get your flu shot. 882-6413 ext 3 |
We often confuse the general term “flu” with stomach upset which includes symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. This is caused by different viruses/bacteria that affect our gastrointestinal system. Often this illness lasts 1 to 2 days and then we start feeling better.
Influenza, the one most of us get immunized for each year, is a respiratory illness and affects the way we breathe, gives us headaches, muscle aches, fever and many other “cold-like” symptoms, and could last up to one week. Here is a simple chart that shows the differences between the common cold and influenza.
During the influenza season you can do the following to prevent getting influenza:
• Get immunized each year with the annual Influenza Vaccine
• Wash your hands
• Practice good cough / sneeze etiquette
• Stay home if you are sick
Remember by protecting yourself, you help protect those around you and the community. There are people in our communities that are more at risk of getting serious complications from Influenza. If you have further questions please contact your local Public Health Nurse. It is not too late to get your flu shot!
During the influenza season you can do the following to prevent getting influenza:
• Get immunized each year with the annual Influenza Vaccine
• Wash your hands
• Practice good cough / sneeze etiquette
Stay home if you are sick
Remember by protecting yourself, you help protect those around you and the community. There are people in our communities that are more at risk of getting serious complications from Influenza.
If you have further questions please contact your local Public Health Nurse. It is not too late to get your flu shot!
The vaccine for 2011 provides protection against the most current circulating strains:
A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like strain: A/California/7/2009 NYMC X-181
A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like strain: A/Victoria/210/2009 NYMC X-187
B/Brisbane/60/2008-like strain: B/Brisbane/60/2008
Influenza vaccination CANNOT cause influenza. Most people have little or no reaction to the vaccine.
There are no more scheduled clinic times for the Influenza Immuization. Please contact your local public health office to find out if the influenza immunization is still available.
All ages benefit from annual influenza vaccine but it is important those considered at high risk be immunized.
People at high risk of complications or hospitalization:
- People 65 years of age or older (or turn 65 prior to March 31, 2012)
- Pregnant women
- Children 6 months to 4 years of age
- People who are severely obese
- People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
- Anyone with chronic health conditions
Household and close contacts:
- Of any of the categories listed above
- Of infants less than 6 months of age
- Households expecting a newborn before March 31, 2012
Other groups:
- Healthcare providers, health care students and registered volunteers
- Physicians and medical office staff
- People providing regular child care to children less than 5 years of age
- People employed in the poultry and hog industry
