2004 Flu Campaign Begins
Public health officials are reminding Nova Scotians that flu season is approaching and immunization is the most effective way to protect against influenza.
"Last year's flu season came early and had a significant impact," said Dr. Robert Strang, medical officer of health for Capital Health. "Each fall we need to remember the importance of immunization in protecting people, young and old, from symptoms of the flu, and potentially serious complications."
The Department of Health is providing free vaccine for the following groups at doctors' offices and community clinics across the province: -- people over age 65; -- adults and children with chronic heart and lung problems, and other chronic diseases; -- anyone living in the same household as people over 65 or people with chronic illnesses; -- all health-care workers and students in health-care educational programs; and -- police officers and firefighters.
Starting this year, the province will also provide the vaccine free of charge for babies age six months to 23 months. Children under the age of two years are among the most likely to get very sick from the flu and have the same risk of being hospitalized because of influenza, as seniors.
"Last year, we had more people vaccinated than in any other year previous. I hope this momentum will continue," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "The flu vaccine is one of the most effective tools this province has to improve health, combat absenteeism and reduce strain on the health-care system during the long winter months."
Nova Scotia's district health authorities are launching internal campaigns encouraging their staff and volunteers to be immunized.
Because physicians and health-care providers are often in frequent contact with those at risk of contracting the flu, it is imperative that members of this group be vaccinated.
"Promoting and supporting flu immunization is important to the doctors of the province," said Dr. Maria Alexiadis, president, Doctors Nova Scotia. "It is not only our responsibility to ensure high-risk individuals are advised about and offered flu vaccine, we can also be positive role models by being immunized ourselves and encouraging all health-care workers to be immunized."
Influenza affects the chest, not the stomach. Flu symptoms include fever, headache, cough, chills and muscle aches and pains. Vomiting and diarrhea are not caused by the flu. These symptoms are usually caused by a stomach virus or bacteria.
A typical flu season in Nova Scotia runs from November to April, sending more than 20,000 people to their doctor. About 2,500 people are admitted to hospital during a normal flu season, and 400 people die as a result of complications from the virus.
Dr. Strang also reassured people that Canada's supply of flu vaccine is secure, despite shortages in other countries.