North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Media Release ************************** The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is encouraging everyone to get their annual flu shot.
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Media Release
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The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is encouraging everyone to get their annual flu shot. There are lots of ways to get your flu shot - the Health Unit is offering over 30 clinics across the district, or you can get them from your health care practitioner or at other community clinics. The first Health Unit clinics start this Wednesday in Redbridge, Thursday in Parry Sound, and Friday in Port Loring. Next week, the first clinic in North Bay will be held on Monday.
“Clinics are available free of charge to anyone over the age of six months, who lives or works in Ontario,” said Leeann Whitney, Director of Infectious Diseases. “You don’t need an appointment and we encourage everyone to visit the clinic closest to them.”
Influenza strains change each year and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends which strains to include in each year’s vaccine. While some reports state that the predominant influenza strains in the southern hemisphere were slightly different from this year’s vaccine, it is too early to tell if these influenza strains are the ones that will circulate in the northern hemisphere, which includes Canada.
“The best way to prevent catching and spreading influenza is to get your flu shot,” said Dr. Catharine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health, CEO. “Even if the strains in the vaccine may not be an exact match to the major strains that may circulate in Ontario, you will still benefit.” There are many ways to protect yourself and your family during this year’s flu season.
• Make sure your whole family gets an influenza shot;
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often throughout the day, especially after using the washroom, before and after eating, after sneezing or coughing, and after coming into contact with high-touch surfaces;
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough;
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your upper sleeve – not your hands;
• Avoid sharing food, eating utensils, towels or handkerchiefs, especially with children.
For more information about influenza or to get a clinic schedule, visit the Ministry of Health’s website, www.gettheflushot.ca, the health unit’s website, www.nbpsdhu.ca; or call the health unit at 474-1400 or toll-free 1-800-563-2808.
