{"id":7237,"date":"2015-11-19T06:00:34","date_gmt":"2015-11-19T11:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=7237"},"modified":"2015-11-19T10:45:52","modified_gmt":"2015-11-19T15:45:52","slug":"its-influenza-season-mahc-encourages-flu-shots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/its-influenza-season-mahc-encourages-flu-shots\/","title":{"rendered":"It’s influenza season: MAHC encourages flu shots"},"content":{"rendered":"

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is reminding the public of the importance of getting the annual flu shot as influenza season arrives in Muskoka. Staff and physicians at the hospitals are rolling up their sleeves to arm themselves against influenza and protect the patients they care for, and we encourage members of the public to do so as well.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

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\u201cWith the holiday season just around the corner, we want to help you avoid wait times in the Emergency Departments so you are enjoying more of what matters most \u2013 being healthy and spending time with friends and family,\u201d says Dr. Jan Goossens, Chief of Staff at MAHC.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

Influenza, or the seasonal flu, is a common and highly contagious infectious respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza viruses can change rapidly and that is why there is a new flu shot made every year to protect against what is anticipated to be the three most prevalent circulating virus strains.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes I hear from patients that they never get the flu, so they question why they should get the flu shot. Even if you are not showing signs and symptoms of having influenza, you can transmit the virus to others unknowingly,\u201d explains Dr. Goossens. \u201cGetting the flu shot is safer than getting the flu and is your best line of defense in protecting yourself and your loved ones. It\u2019s best to get your flu shot early so your body is ready to defend against the flu virus. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.\u201d<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

Physician offices and pharmacies have flu shots available. You can find out where locally by visiting https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/get-flu-shot<\/a>.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

At MAHC, measures are in place to reduce the risk of exposure to the flu at the hospitals. All patients are screened upon arriving at MAHC\u2019s Emergency Departments and anyone with flu-like symptoms, which include sudden onset of fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle and joint pain and headache, will be required to put on a mask and, whenever possible, will be isolated from other patients.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to keep our patients safe, so we are also reminding residents not to visit the hospital if they are feeling unwell. Anyone with flu-like symptoms who doesn\u2019t require the services of the hospital is strongly encouraged to stay home,\u201d says Dr. Goossens. \u201cWe will be monitoring influenza levels in the community and should we experience an influenza outbreak at the hospitals, we will advise the community about restrictions or limitations on visiting.\u201d<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

If you have the flu, stay at home, get plenty of rest and drink lots of clear fluids. You can help to prevent the spread of the flu by washing your hands often, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and keeping common surfaces clean.<\/p>\n

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