If you have a vacation planned for March break, now is the time to get your flu shot
WELLINGTON COUNTY, Ontario January 18, 2012 - Health and Safety Watch - Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health reports that while it’s been a relatively mild year for flu activity, confirmed cases are started to be seen in Wellington and Dufferin counties. WDG Public Health has received four lab confirmed cases of flu in the community and one confirmed outbreak of flu in a long-term care home.
Public Health’s Clinical Services Manager, Rosalyn LaRochelle, says,
“To date, we have administered over 10,000 flu shots in our clinics and distributed 61,000 doses to area physicians, hospitals, and long-term care homes. We don’t have numbers for shots administered through independent pharmacies and home health care providers but there’s no doubt anyone who chose to get their flu shot has contributed to the lower incidence of flu in our community.”
In general, flu is spread by droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze and by touching surfaces that are contaminated with the virus such as unwashed hands, toys, cell phones or eating utensils. The most common symptoms are fever and cough PLUS one or more of the following symptoms: Sore throat, Muscle pain, Joint pain, Weakness
LaRochelle adds,
“This year we had the option of ordering pre-filled syringes of the flu vaccine. It’s made the process of administering the shot much more efficient.”
If you have a vacation planned for March break, now is the time to get your flu shot. Appointments are available by calling Public Health or your health care provider. For more information visit: www.wdgpublichealth.ca.
