With influenza season around the corner, the Five Hills Health Region is gearing up for it by opening its flu clinics as of October 23. About 750 immunizations were given on the first day of the clinics with 220 given in Assiniboia, said Dr. Mark Vooght, Chief Medical Officer for the Five Hills Health Region.
Flu season typically hits in mid-December when cold weather drives people indoors where it can be easily spread. There have been cases of flu in mid-October.
Media reports have circulated, warning the public of the severity of the influenza virus strain this year, citing the Australian experience earlier this year. However, Dr. Vooght explains that the Australia flu situation was severe because it had a mismatch between the vaccine and the virus strain. This sometimes occurs because scientists have to predict the influenza strain in advance. They only know at the end of the season if their vaccine was a good match.
Canada is expecting the AH3N2 Hong Kong strain and AH1N1 Michigan strain of influenza this year. They are antigenically similar to the strain of vaccine. Dr. Vooght stressed that the flu vaccine is 小蓝视频 made available free-of-charge through the public health system to all residents of the province aged over six months. The flu shot is available at the flu clinics, physicians鈥� offices, as well as at pharmacies. Pharmacists may provide the vaccine to children aged nine and older. The spray form is not available right now. It is not superior to injection. It is recommended that children under five receive the flu shot because they can contract a more serious form of influenza.
Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy can receive the shot. Also, seniors with suppressed immune systems are also in the high-risk category. It is recommended that they too receive the flu short. Those with severe egg allergies can discuss getting the vaccine with their public health nurse. In addition to the vaccine, the public can protect itself from influenza by practicing good hygiene habits like washing their hands with soap and warm water. With influenza, prevention is best because physicians can do little to treat it and they can, at best, only manage the symptoms.
As for those who have contracted the influenza virus, Dr. Vooght recommends that they stay at home and rest. If the individual is experiencing ongoing high fever for more than three days, chest pains, and short stabbing pain, he recommends that they seek medical attention and go to the emergency department because these could be symptoms of a more serious lung infection or bronchitis.
