Last Chance Community Flu Shot Clinic
January 5th, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Perth County - There is still time to get a flu shot. A final community flu shot clinic is taking place on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, from 3 to 7pm, at the Stratford Rotary Complex. This clinic is for people who still need a flu shot as well as children who require a second dose.
“Over the last few weeks, we have seen an increase in the number influenza cases in Ontario, including in neighbouring Oxford County,” says Lorna Askes, Public Health Nurse. “Now is the time to protect yourself and others from the flu by getting the flu shot.” It takes two weeks for the flu shot to become fully effective.
Influenza season typically runs from November to April. Symptoms of the flu include a cough, sore throat, fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. Many people are ill with the flu for several days and some people may get much sicker and need hospital care. Influenza does not normally cause people to throw up or have diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea are signs of a gastrointestinal illness, most likely norovirus. The flu shot does not protect against gastrointestinal illnesses.
To help stay healthy this winter, the Health Unit advises all residents to take these simple precautions:
- Get a flu shot
- Wash hands thoroughly and often
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve
- Keep surfaces and items disinfected
- Stay home if you are sick. If you are ill, do not visit people – especially the elderly – in long-term care homes or hospitals.
The flu shot is also available through family doctors.
For more information:
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