The Sault Star column - October 1, 2009

2009-10-01

It's A Different Flu Season by MaryLou Bernardo

"This year it's a different flu season," is the message from Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), Group Health Centre (GHC) and Algoma Public Health (APH) and on September 24th, the Ontario government announced changes to it's flu shot rollout for the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines.

Ontario residents will have access to seasonal and the H1N1 flu vaccines - however it is a change in the sequence or order that has been directed by the MOHLTC. Why? Evidence show that the H1N1 flu virus will be the main flu strain in circulation this fall in Ontario.

There are two separate types of influenza (flu) viruses, to protect yourself from: the 'human seasonal' influenza and the 'H1N1' flu virus (also known as the swine flu).

"Two flu vaccines have been developed against these viruses," said Sue Berger, a public health nurse with Algoma Public Health.

Berger explains, "In October, the seasonal flu vaccine is being offered to Ontarians aged 65 years and older and residents of long-term care homes followed by the H1N1 flu vaccination program for all Ontarians. Seasonal flu vaccine will be available to the rest of the province following the H1N1 flu vaccination program." 

Those people under 65 who have already made an appointment for a seasonal flu shot - those will be cancelled and will need to be rescheduled following the completion of the H1N1 vaccination program. 

Appointments are now being booked for seasonal flu shots for those aged 65 and older .You can call 541-2332, Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, to book your appointment.

Flu clinics in Sault Ste. Marie will be held in the Health Promotion Centre (located two stores north of Canadian Tire) in the Cambrian Mall.

Clinics in the Algoma district (Blind River, Elliot Lake and Wawa) are held throughout the communities. Residents (aged 65 and older) can book a district appointment for a seasonal flu shot by calling 1-800-469-2449.

 In November, we will provide the H1N1 vaccine following a phased in approach to target populations.  More information on the H1N1 vaccination program will come at a later date. 

 A flu shot is recommended annually because of the different strains of the influenza virus that change every year. Each year, a new seasonal vaccine is developed to make sure our bodies form antibodies that can fight the three most common flu strains. The flu strikes between 10 and 25 per cent of Canadians annually during the flu season in North America and typically lasts from October to April. The seasonal flu vaccine is over 80 per cent effective and available to everyone six months of age and older.  It takes about 15 minutes of your time to get a flu shot and at least two weeks from the time the shot is given to provide protection.

Influenza is highly contagious and spreads quickly from person to person by even a cough or sneeze. It is a more serious condition than a cold and can infect your nose, throat and lungs and usually causes fever, chills, a dry cough, headaches, body aches and fatigue. Children may also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Flu symptoms can last up to 10 days and in many cases, fatigue or a general feeling of weakness can last for weeks.

Please do not get a flu shot if you've had a severe allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past; if you have a serious allergy to eggs or egg products or have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome. If you are acutely ill with a fever or flu-like symptoms, please wait until you are feeling better.

In addition to getting your seasonal and H1N1 flu shots, keep yourself healthy:
~ wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds ~ keep an alcohol-based sanitizer handy at work, home and in your car
~ cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or a tissue, not in your hand. Dispose of tissues immediately.
~get adequate sleep
~eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet
~avoid crowds in enclosed spaces
~ don't share utensils, towels or handkerchiefs and
~ keep commonly touched surfaces clean and disinfected.

Seasonal and H1N1 flu shots are available free-of-charge to Ontario residents. The GHC and APH have been partnering in offering community flu clinics since 2001.A friendly reminder to show up for your seasonal flu shot at least 10 minutes in advance (not early please since seating is limited) and wear a short sleeved shirt or sweater.

For more information, please visit : www.ghc.on.ca and www.algomapublichealth.com 

                                                                        
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MaryLou Bernardo is a Communications Coordinator with GHC's Patient Relations and Communication department. Email: bernardo_m@ghc.on.ca

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