Still Time to Get Immunized Against Influenza

Published on: 2014/12/15 - in Releases

Kingston, Ontario — Cases of influenza have been reported in the KFL&A area. The majority of these cases are the H3N2 strain, which causes more serious illness than the predominant strain from last year.

If you received an influenza immunization this year, you have taken a good step to protect yourself and your loved ones from the potentially serious complications of this strain of influenza. If you have not been immunized already, there is still time to protect yourself.

“Even though the influenza season has started, it is expected to peak in three weeks’ time so it isn’t too late to get yourself and your family immunized,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, associate Medical Officer of Health, KFL&A Public Health. “The influenza vaccine is the safest, most effective way to protect yourself against the influenza virus.”

To help to prevent influenza, clean your hands often, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, avoid touching your face, stay home when you are sick, and get your influenza immunization.

If you do get influenza, be sure to stay home and get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take basic pain or fever relievers. High-risk individuals, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women or people with underlying health conditions, should call their family physician or Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 for advice if their symptoms worsen.

To receive the influenza immunization, visit a participating pharmacy or your family physician. If your child is four years of age or younger, he or she must be immunized at a doctor’s office or a KFL&A Public Health clinic.

KFL&A Public Health is holding influenza clinics by appointment only on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Kingston office at 221 Portsmouth Avenue.

To book an appointment, visit kflapublichealth.ca/appointments or call 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 1451.


Release source: KFL&A Public Health | PhotoBlake Patterson (cc)

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