Every year influenza immunization clinics begin in the fall to prepare people for the seasonal influenza strains. These clinics will be held soon in the area and the Sun Country Health Region's Public Health Team encourages everyone to participate. Anyone six-months-old or older are eligible to receive the vaccine and it is one way to protect yourself as well as family and friends from influenza.
In Sun Country, immunization clinics will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 14. The vaccine will be available through public health clinics, physicians, and nurse practitioners across the province.
In the local area clinics will specifically be held in Alameda on Oct. 17; Alida on Oct. 21; Arcola on Oct. 16 and Oct. 24; Carlyle on Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 28, Nov. 6, Nov. 14, and Nov. 20; Kennedy on Oct. 20 and Nov. 3; Kenosee Lake on Oct. 17; Kisbey on Oct. 29; Lampman on Oct. 21 and Oct. 27; Manor on Oct. 14; Maryfield on Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, and Nov. 5; Redvers on Oct. 14, Oct. 20, Oct. 30, and Nov. 3; and in Stoughton on Oct. 23 and Nov. 25.
Posters will be placed in these areas with dates, times, and locations in each town or a comprehensive list of times and locations of the clinics refer to the Sun Country website: http://www.suncountry.sk.ca/
Immunization for influenza is encouraged especially for high risk groups which may include people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, and lung/heart disease. Additionally, people over the age of 65-years-old are more at-risk of contracting influenza. Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, people who suffer from obesity, children under the age of five, children on long term aspirin therapy, and pregnant women are also encouraged to take advantage of the free immunization clinics.
For households and people who work with the public immunization is also recommended. This includes households expecting a baby or with children under the age of six, households or close contact with a person/s who are considered at-risk, healthcare workers and volunteers, child care providers, and people who work with poultry and/or hogs.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is a virus easily passed from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, and touching surfaces affected then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Tiny drops of moisture from the infected person is transferred into the air or onto surfaces.
According to Alberta Health's website, the virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 48-hours. This would include telephones, light switches, magazines, countertops, door handles, etc Soft surfaces such as clothing the virus may remain for between eight and 10 hours.
Symptoms will develop approximately four days after being infected and you become contagious for seven days beginning the day before symptoms present, though people with weakened immune systems or young children still developing their immune systems may be contagious for approximately 10 days.
The spread can therefore easily be limited through hand washing, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, cleaning hard surfaces, and through staying at home when sick. It is also recommended that you eat a balanced diet, get exercise, and sleep well to promote a healthy body.
Symptoms of influenza include a fever, a dry cough, headache, an aching body, and feeling weak and tired. Other symptoms can include feeling chilled, a loss of appetite, a sore throat, a runny nose, and some may experience nausea.
