News Feature                             For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                      Oct 17, 2008

Don’t let the flu, or another illness catch you!

Infection Control Week October 20-24, 2008 - Local flu clinic schedule now available

Each year, influenza and its complications kills between 500 -1,500 Canadians and sends another 75, 000 to hospital. Chances are you, or someone you know, will become ill this winter, whether it is from influenza, a cold or a gastrointestinal infection. You should not leave your health in the hands of chance; there are simple ways to prevent illnesses and protect yourself and other around you. With infection control week coming up, now is a good time to practice healthy habits and get a flu vaccine.

To keep yourself and your family healthy:

1)      Wash your hands often. Use soap and water, scrubbing between your fingers, your fingernails, around your thumbs and on the tops of your hands – sing twinkle twinkle little star, as this is how long you should spend washing. Rinse well and dry your hands with paper towel. Remember to wash before, during and after preparing food, before eating and always after using the restroom.

2)      Cover your cough. Cough into your arm or sleeve instead of your hands. It takes some practice, but is very effective in stopping the spread of germs. If you forget, wash your hands right away. Also, try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth, as these are the gateways into your body for germs.

3)      Stay home when sick. Germs cannot spread if you don’t share them. Illnesses are usually most contagious in the beginning part of an illness and rest will help you recover quickly. If you work in or visit nursing and retirement homes it is especially important to stay away while ill, as elderly residents are at greater risk for complications from illnesses.

4)      Get the flu vaccine. The influenza vaccine protects from certain influenza viruses and reduces the severeness caused by others, should you become ill. It is free from Public Health or from your healthcare provider. The 2008 Community Flu Clinic Schedule is now available. You can also visit the website www.gettheflushot.ca for more information about the flu, the flu vaccine and clinic locations.

Your general health is also very important for staying healthy during flu season and for fighting off germs. Healthy eating, regular exercise and good sleeping habits go a long way towards maintaining your immune system. Public Health has many resources to help you learn how to live a healthier lifestyle.

For further information, including the schedule of influenza clinic dates, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

-30-

Attachments: 2008 Community Flu Clinic Schedule 

For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Program Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1230

Susan Shular

Program Manager, Communicable Diseases

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1231