Flu Campaign Targets At Risk Individuals, Health-care Workers

HEALTH--Flu Campaign Targets At Risk Individuals, Health-care Workers

Public health officials kicked off the annual flu campaign today, hoping to increase the number of people who receive the vaccine and minimize the impact of flu season.

"This is the time of year we remind people that a flu shot is the most effective way, and safe way, to protect yourself and others from influenza," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "If we increase the number of people who are immunized, we will keep people healthier and reduce the strain on our health-care organizations during flu season."

"Influenza can lead to serious complications, particular among seniors and other people at risk because of chronic diseases," said Dr. Rob Strang, medical officer of health for the Department of Health. "Choosing to be immunized protects yourself, your family, and patients and residents in health-care facilities."

Dr. Strang recommends that adults and children who suffer from chronic heart and lung problems, as well as other chronic diseases, have an annual vaccine. He also advises seniors 65 years of age and older receive a yearly vaccine.

The Department of Health is also funding the vaccine for health-care workers to encourage immunization for staff and volunteers who work with patients and residents.

Although no one can predict when the flu will arrive in Nova Scotia, November to April are the prime months for flu in Canada. Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, headache, cough and muscle aches, and pains. The bacteria can easily spread from discharges from the mouth and nose. More than 20,000 visits to doctors in Nova Scotia last year were attributed to the flu, and more than 2,500 people were hospitalized because of complications as a result of influenza.

"More than 400 people died last year in this province because of complications due to influenza," said Dr. Louise Cloutier, president of the Medical Society of Nova Scotia. "We encourage people to speak to their family doctor or local public health unit and consider receiving the flu vaccine, not only for their own personal health, but for the health of others who may be at risk."

Flu immunization is free for seniors and for those who have certain chronic conditions. The vaccine is available to others for a fee.

This year's flu immunization campaign is a project of the Department of Health in co-operation with regional health boards, the Lung Association of Nova Scotia, the Medical Society of Nova Scotia, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations, Nova Scotia Nurses Union, the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia, the Senior Citizens Secretariat, the Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Pensioners Concerned Nova Scotia, the infectious diseases division of the QEII Department of Medicine, and the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division.

Information on the flu can be found on the Department of Health website at www.gov.ns.ca/health .