UNews - influenza

Are you ready for your flu shot?

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:30:41 +0000

Every fall, Canadians are confronted with two dilemmas – what to do with all the falling leaves and whether or not they should get the seasonal flu shot.

With the H1N1 pandemic of 2009 still fresh in our minds and the sound of coughing already echoing in U of L hallways, influenza vaccine will again be made available on campus for interested students, staff and faculty.

Unlike previous years, the Alberta government has provincially funded all vaccine this year, so there is no cost to anyone interested in getting the vaccine.

Flu clinics will start around campus after the Thanksgiving weekend. We are currently waiting for the vaccine to become available and will announce the first on-campus vaccine clinics through the Notice Board, U-Weekly, UNews and campus digital signage.

The on-campus clinics will be held for those aged 17 to 70, except for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who must go to the public health unit for their vaccine.

This particular vaccine protects against three strains of flu virus including an H1N1-like flu strain. More information on the vaccines will be forthcoming.

It may be the right time to begin the discussion with your family about the need for a flu shot.

Lori Weber is a registered nurse and manager of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre

Horns forced to postpone series

trevor.kenney — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:46:44 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan athletics departments have jointly announced that the upcoming Canada West women's hockey series scheduled for October 30th and 31st has been postponed because more than one quarter of the U of L team is currently experiencing flu-like symptoms.

"It was very important to postpone this series to ensure that our team members and our visitors were not further exposed to the flu-like symptoms that have been spreading through the community," said assistant coach Deb Marek. "We currently have 6 players and coach Chandy Kaip away ill, and their health and well-being is critical."

The Pronghorns will face the Huskies January 2 and 3, 2010 instead of October 30 and 31, 2009.

U of L Health Centre manager Lori Weber, RN, said the team illness is unfortunate, but not a surprise considering that there are currently more than 300 students, staff and faculty listed as ill on the U of L's flu registry – about three percent of the school's student and employee population.

"The teams are doing the right thing in postponing their games and asking their players to self-isolate if they exhibit flu-like symptoms," Weber said. "This reinforces the fact that this illness, whether it is the seasonal flu or H1N1, is to be taken seriously."

Weber said that symptoms may include fever over 100 degrees, sore throat, cough, fatigue, headache, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting and diarrhea.

"You can be contagious for one day before symptoms begin and possibly seven or more days after. A person is more contagious on days with fever," she said.
"I applaud the actions taken to protect the health of the sports teams involved. As a reminder, all those involved in any sport should be taking extra vigilance with cleaning sports equipment, not sharing water bottles, mouth guards or other equipment and notifying their coach/team when they are ill."

Weber added that staying at home and resting aids the ill person in their recovery and protects their teammates from exposure to influenza.

"Vaccination clinics are being held in Lethbridge, so please consider getting vaccinated."

To view complete information on flu-like illness and steps to take if ill please visit the U of L website at http://www.uleth.ca and click on the "Be Fluless, Not Clueless!" icon.

Free seasonal flu vaccine to become available

trevor.kenney — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:30:24 +0000

As the Fall 2009 semester approaches, concerns are once again being raised regarding the spread of influenza at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The U of L Health Centre (403-329-2484 or health.centre@uleth.ca) continues to be a leader in disseminating information that addresses these concerns, whether it be seasonal influenza or the H1N1 virus. The latest development in tackling the spread of influenza comes in the form of a decree from the Alberta government that free seasonal influenza vaccine will be made available in October.

This fall, the Alberta government will offer a free seasonal influenza vaccine to all Albertans six months and older.

Immunization can be obtained through public health clinics and some physician offices and pharmacists beginning in October.

"This is something Alberta has been working toward for a number of years," says Ron Liepert, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness.

"It is a valuable investment in strengthening the public health system in Alberta, and is the best way of protecting Albertans from seasonal influenza viruses that we see every year."

Separate from the seasonal influenza vaccine, the province is also working on its plan to immunize Albertans against the H1N1 influenza virus sometime this fall. Details on that immunization program will be announced when available.

"Immunization continues to be our best defense against influenza," says Dr. André Corriveau, Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

"Whether you have underlying medical conditions that put you at higher risk of developing influenza-related complications or may be in contact with someone who does, it is important for all Albertans to get their flu shot to reduce transmission of the virus."

Additionally, individuals 65 years and over and those who are at high risk because of certain health problems are strongly advised to get the pneumococcal immunization as it may be beneficial in the prevention of both pneumonia and influenza-related diseases.

Clinic dates and locations are currently in the planning stage and Alberta Health Services will be announcing details in September.

For more information on Alberta's influenza immunization program, and other vaccines included in the province's routine immunization program, please visit http://www.health.alberta.ca and click on Health Information, then immunization.

Or, visit Health Link Alberta at http://www.healthlinkalberta.ca or call toll-free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

UNews - influenza

Are you ready for your flu shot?

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Horns forced to postpone series

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