What you need to know
Learn more about Novel Coronavirus
Here are 3 usefull documents:
COVID – 19 Message March 11
How To Self-Monitor
How To Self-Isolate
For information directly from Huron Perth Public Health’s website please Click Here
It is with mixed emotions that Dr. Kulkarni is closing her practice.
Every year, million of Canadians catch the flu, usually in the late fall to early spring. Some people are only mildly affected, while others get very sick. Most people recover from the flu in a week or 10 days, but other may develop serious complications, such as pneumonia, that can send them to the hospital. The best way to protect yourself is by getting a flu shot every year.
Here are 4 common misconceptions that people have about getting the flu shot:
It is physically impossible to get a cold or flu from the flu shot. A couple of things to keep in mind:
- The virus in the flu vaccine has been killed, meaning you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. The flu vaccine is like a picture of the flu for your immune system to see and “rehearse” for. This way, if you ever get exposed to the flu virus, your body already knows what it looks like and what to do.
- The flu shot does not become effective until 2 weeks after you get it. Your body needs time to build antibodies to the flu.
- Appearance of cold and flu symptoms after getting the flu shot are not a result of the flu shot. Flu shots are generally given during clod/flu season. It’s very possible that someone has an underlying cold or flu before they get their flu shot, but their symptoms haven’t appeared yet. Then after they get their flu shot, symptoms from their underlying illness begin to appear.
- The flu shot cannot protect you from getting a cold. You are still vulnerable to the common cold after getting the flu shot, so it’s always a good idea to practice and hygiene and other preventative measures to keep yourself healthy.
There is always a chance of getting the flu even if you didn’t get it last year. Keep in mind that the flu shot isn’t just for you – it’s meant to protect the people around you as well. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are most susceptible to hospitalization as a result of the flu. Having the flu shot is good for you too! If you’ve had the flu shot and you get exposed to the flu virus, you won’t be nearly as sick as you would be if you didn’t have the flu shot. It’s also good to get the flu shot each year, as there are different flu viruses year to year. 
The purpose of the flu shot is to expose your immune system to different strains of the flu so it knows what the flu looks like and can build antibodies to it. If you get the flu, your body will still create antibodies to the flu whether you had the flu shot or not. The only difference is that the flu shot uses a harmless, inactive virus to trigger the body’s natural immune response to provide protection against the flu, without the risk of getting the flu.
Experts develop the flu shot through months of research and with an educated opinion. Yes, the flu shot only covrs you against certain strains. However, the strains are chosen based on research and data – it’s not just a guess. Even when the virus in the flu shot is not closely matched to the seasonal flu virus, the vaccine can still protect many people and prevent flu-related complications. This protection is possible because the antibodies made in response to the flu shot can provide some protection against different but related flu viruses. Plus, it’s better to be covered against some of the possible strains than none at all.
Keeping your records up-to-date is an important part of your care. If you have already received a flu shot and it wasn’t at your physician’s office please fill out the form below. If you would prefer to call us, please phone 1-519-273-7017.
Before booking your next vacation, review the latest health advisories on the Zika Virus by clicking here.
What Is The Zika Virus?
Zika virus is occurring in many regions of the world. Local transmission of Zika virus was first reported in the Americas in 2015. Currently there is ongoing local transmission in many countries of South Asia, Western Pacific Islands, and South and Central America, including the Caribbean, and Mexico.
How Does It Spread?
Zika virus infection is caused by a virus which is primarily spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be transmitted by an infected pregnant woman to her developing baby and sexually transmitted by an infected man to his partner.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms can include fever, headache, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and skin rash, along with joint and muscle pain. The illness is typically mild and lasts only a few days and the majority of those infected do not have symptoms.
How Do I Protect Myself?
There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Zika virus infection. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy avoid travel to countries with ongoing Zika virus outbreaks. All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites
1) Cover up
2) Use insect repellent on exposed skin
3) Consider your accommodations
4) Sleep under a bed net, preferably treated with insecticide
5) Apply a permethrin insecticide to clothing and other travel gear for greater protection
- Pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy should avoid travel to countries with ongoing Zika virus outbreaks.
- If travel cannot be avoided or postponed strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed due to the association between Zika virus infection and increased risk of serious health effects on their unborn baby.
- Travellers returning from countries with ongoing Zika virus outbreaks:
- For pregnant women, if you develop symptoms that could be consistent with Zika virus infection, you should consult a health care provider.
- For women planning a pregnancy, it is strongly recommended that you wait at least two months before trying to conceive to ensure that any possible Zika virus infection has cleared your body.
- For male travellers, Zika virus can persist for an extended period of time in the semen of infected males, therefore
- It is strongly recommended that, if you have a pregnant partner, you should use condoms for the duration of the pregnancy.
- It is strongly recommended that you and your partner wait to conceive for six months by using a condom.
- It is recommended that you should consider using condoms with any partner for six months.
Consult your health care provider at least six weeks before travel for further details or if you are exhibiting symptons after travelling to affected areas.
Information provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
