(SASKATOON) October 18, 2004 - Saskatoon Health
Region’s (SHR) three-week flu immunization blitz ends Friday.
Residents in the following groups are urged to attend the Health Region’s
FREE flu clinics:
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Children and adults with asthma, chronic lung, heart or kidney
conditions, cancer, diabetes and immune disorders
Please call Public Health Services at (306) 655-4620 for flu clinic
locations.
Dr. Steven Whitehead, Deputy Medical Health Officer for SHR says,
"People really do need to take note that flu season is just
around the corner, and they need to be prepared."
Each year during the first three weeks of October, the Health Region
runs a vaccination blitz in order to quickly immunize the majority
of high risk individuals before flu season arrives. During the blitz,
the Health Region re-allocates staff to handle the large volume
of immunizations. After October 22nd, the flu shot will still be
available, but people may face longer wait times as Public Health
Services returns to normal staffing levels and the number of clinics
decrease throughout the Health Region.
People who are not in the eligible group for the free vaccine can
also call Public Health Services to book an appointment for their
immunization. These low risk immunization clinics start on October
25th.
The Health Region also wants the public to be aware of the symptoms
of influenza and be prepared for appropriate action should they
or their family members develop the disease. Influenza has a sudden
onset with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and cough. Most
people recover within 7 days and do not need emergency care. If
you are feeling ill, stay at home to avoid passing it on to others;
get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids; take appropriate medications
to lessen fever, aches and pains. If you are not getting better
within three to four days, or begin to develop breathing problems,
you should seek advice from your doctor.
People at higher risk of developing complications from influenza,
such as infants, the elderly (over 65) and persons with chronic
health conditions, should also call their doctor for advice if they
develop influenza to see if there is anything further they should
be doing.
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For more information contact:
Leanne Nyirfa
Adviser, Corporate and Public Affais
Ph: (306) 655-3386
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