Posts Tagged ‘influenza’
H1N1 information for seniors.
With much information (and misinformation) swirling about seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, the Public Health Agency of Canada has some very useful guidelines. On their site, the offer two easy charts – the first shows common and less common symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 flu:
Both H1N1 and seasonal flu can show the following symptoms:
| Almost Always: | Common: | Sometimes: |
Sudden onset of:
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Their recommendation for the above is thus:
“Early treatment can help to reduce the risk of complications if you or someone you care for develops the flu. If you or someone you care for develops flu symptoms, keep them at home until their fever is gone and they are back to their normal activity level, usually within one week. Give them plenty of fluids, and if they have a fever use fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.”
The second chart shows the symptoms of severe H1N1:
H1N1 Flu Virus: Signs of Severe Illness
| If you or someone you care for develops the following symptoms, seek immediate medical care: | |
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In the case of any of these developing in yourself or someone you are caring for, please seek immediate medical attention.
The website also has tips for staying healthy and information about the benefits and risks of any treatment for H1N1.
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Early flu shots begin Oct. 05 for NS Seniors
The Nova Scotia Government has announced that flu shots will be given to seniors at an earlier date than previously announced. 
‘Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s chief public health officer, said Friday that the seasonal flu shots would be made available beginning Oct. 5. Strang said the decision was based on the best scientific evidence available and would protect those most at risk for H1N1 and seasonal flu.”That science has shown that seniors are at low risk for getting H1N1, but they are at greatest risk for becoming seriously ill from seasonal flu and they are the individuals who most need the protection from seasonal flu vaccine,” said Strang. He said the government expected to shift back to seasonal flu immunization in early January after the swine flu program.Strang noted that the situation around H1N1 and the government’s immunization programs is evolving. “If new information becomes available we will take that into account and if need be we will adjust our immunization programs accordingly,” he said. “It’s all about who’s at risk from what, and the right people getting the right vaccine at the most appropriate time.” ‘
Read the full article here. You can visit the NS government’s website for more information here.
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