Duane Hicks
The Northwestern Health Unit is reporting the number of ’flu shots it’s administered so far this season is higher than this time last year.
“Around the region, we’re actually kind of surprised to see that our numbers are slightly up,” said Donna Stanley, manager of controls of infectious disease for the Northwestern Health Unit.
While she’s waiting on exact numbers from late December, Stanley did say the health unit has given about 95 percent of the total shots it administered during last year’s entire influenza immunization campaign, which ran from October through April.
“What I have been hearing from other places in the province is that their numbers are down, so we’re doing as well as we could be this year,” she reasoned.
There have been cases of various viral illness in the region so far this winter, but no confirmed cases of the ’flu here yet, noted Stanley.
That said, the health unit still advises people to get their shot.
Stanley said there’s not been any talk of the ’flu in the news, and the health unit has had phone calls from people asking if it’s worth bothering to get a shot at this point in the season.
“There’s a sense that ’flu is done and it never happened,” she remarked. “But, in fact, this is a great time to get a shot because it hasn’t come yet.
“[The ’flu] often has, in the past, come to our area a few weeks after other areas.
“We have just had everybody get together for Christmas and ‘brew’ things,” Stanley explained.
“If we’re going to see ’flu, we’re probably going to see it within the next few weeks,” she predicted, adding now is a good time to get the shot.
Stanley said the impact of ’flu viruses vary from season to season, but it’s always a good idea to get a shot, especially for people who have newborn babies or those around others who are vulnerable to getting sick.
“It’s not going to hurt you to get it,” she reasoned. “It could help you, but it could also really help other people.
“It’s not just about you—it’s the people you can give it to,” she stressed.
The health unit will continue to offer ’flu shots by appointment, usually until the end of April.
People also can get them at their local clinic.
To make an appointment at the health unit, contact the local office at 274-9827 or call toll-free 1-866-46l8-2240.
As always, the health unit reminds the public that they can help protect themselves from getting sick through regular cleaning, washing hands frequently, drinking plenty of liquids, eating healthy, and being physically active.
If you are feeling unwell, particularly in the first day or two, and if a fever is present, you should avoid going into workplaces, schools, long-term care homes, and hospitals.
