Flu shots are still available
“It’s been a great year for uptake of the flu vaccine, so the community’s very well protected,” said Deb Baumann at the Parksville/Qualicum Health Unit.
There are no more public clinics scheduled for this influenza season, but the Vancouver Island Health Authority reminds people the holidays help spread viruses and there are still shots available.
Hundreds turned out to the public clinics through the fall, and Baumann said the health unit and local pharmacies have vaccine available and will administer them free to people who qualify including healthy children 6 to 23 months, people over 65, caregivers and health care workers among others.
The current vaccine is the same as last year with three inactive strains, including H1N1, based on World Health Organization recommendations.
Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, extreme tiredness and cough. Children may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Experts recommend that aside from the vaccine, the best way to avoid getting and spreading the virus is through good hygiene and common sense like staying home when you are sick.
For more information check www.viha.ca/flu or call the health unit at 250-947-8222.
writer@pqbnews.com
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.