Stéphanie Brunet-Guppy, Public Health Nurse at the Porcupine Health Unit says, “Many people think of influenza as a harmless illness, but it can lead to serious complications”. This year, the Porcupine Health Unit wants to increase awareness of influenza for children aged 6 months to 5 years of age. Children are considered high risk and often suffer from more severe symptoms of influenza than older children or adults.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends annual influenza vaccination for all Canadians, particularly those who are at high risk of influenza-related complications. Complications that may occur from the influenza virus include acute ear infections, pneumonia and hospitilization, which can lead to death.
Another good reason to focus on children, says Brunet-Guppy, is that children are the main transmitters of the influenza virus. “They shed larger quantities of the virus for a longer period of time which contributes to the spread of influenza within your household and community”.
The Porcupine Health Unit will be offering free community Influenza clinics from October to January, which gives members of the community an opportunity to have their children and loved ones vaccinated.
Brunet-Guppy encourages all parents to bring their children. “ The best way to protect your children from influenza is for them to get their annual flu shot”.
