Monday, January 21, 2013

WRHA - Influenza Information for Parents


January 15, 2013

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Influenza season is upon us
In the schools and community, you may be noticing more of your friends and neighbors are ill. In the health system, we have noticed that the numbers of cases of influenza (“flu") are now starting to increase in Winnipeg.
Symptoms of influenza almost always include fever and cough. They commonly also include sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches and fatigue. For some children and adults symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

What you can do?

Hand washing
In class and at home, please remind children to wash their hands frequently.

Cover your cough
Please remind children to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into their sleeve or elbow.

Please keep your children home if they have flu-like symptoms
It is important to keep your child at home if he or she has flu-like symptoms, until they are feeling better. It is helpful to have backup childcare plans if needed.

Have you and your children received the flu shot?
Getting a flu shot is the most effective way for you and your children to avoid getting and spreading influenza. Flu shots are available free of charge to all family members and can be given to anyone six months of age and over.
To get your flu shot your family can visit your primary care provider or any of the Quick Care clinics, or you can book an appointment at your local public health office. Call 204-956-SHOT to find the address and phone number of your local public health. Please remember to bring your Manitoba Health card or out-of-province health card.


Need more information?
If you would like more information:
  • Visit the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority website at www.wrha.mb.ca. and follow the link “Protecting Yourself from the Flu”
  • Call your local community area public health office during regular business hours. You can find your local community health office at www.wrha.mb.ca under the tab “search the health services directory”
Call Health Links РInfo Sant̩ 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 204-788-8200. Thank you for your help in fighting the spread of Influenza.
Sincerely,


Dr. Bunmi Fatoye
Medical Officer of Health
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority 

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