Residents of Shelburne, Digby and Yarmouth Counties are encouraged to help protect themselves and their loved ones from influenza, or flu, by getting a flu shot this year. Vaccination is the single most effective way to prevent the flu.
Free community clinics are being offered by Public Health Services starting this week. The full schedule of community flu shot clinics in Digby, Shelburne and Yarmouth Counties is on the South West Health website: http://www.swndha.nshealth.ca/pages/2012CommunityFluClinics.pdf
Seasonal flu vaccine is also available from most family doctors and nurse practitioners.
While the vaccine is recommended for all Nova Scotians, it is especially important for people at high risk of complications including seniors, people age six months to five years, Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people of any age who live in a long term care or chronic care facility, persons with morbid obesity (BMI ≥40) and anyone with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes. This also includes those who live with, or care for, people in high risk groups.
Flu symptoms often include sudden high fever, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat, but can lead to more severe illness such as pneumonia or even death.
Do not visit a vaccine clinic if you have a cough and fever. If you do get sick, remember:
• Stay home to avoid spread.
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve.
• Clean your hands often.
For information check on line at: http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/influenza.asp
