Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2003-11-26, Page 7News Health unit urges flu immunization as children susceptible to 'A Fuiian' By Susan Hund.rtmark Expositor Editor This winter's flu season could be a nasty one and the Huron County Health Unit is urging residents to get their flu shot as soon as possible. But, at the same time that a particularly serious strain of flu called "A Fujian" has arrived, health unit officials are concerned that attendance at flu shot clinics at Huron schools is at its lowest level since the shots began being offered at schools three years ago. "It's a big concern," says Linda Stobo, of the health unit. Stobo says the Huron health unit is hoping for the big line-ups being experienced in London recently since the announcement was made that A Fujian has come to Canada. The A Fujian flu virus has been detected in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Ontario; at least five children in Britain have died from the flu caused by this strain. Huron County has no cases of flu so far this fall. "With SARS, we had no line of defence so there was a sense of powerlessness. But, with the flu, there is something we can do but people aren't taking advantage of it," she says. While most schools in Huron have already completed their first flu clinics, the health unit is beginning to return to the schools this Friday to administer the second flu shot for children under the age of nine, who require two shots to be protected. Stobo says parents who would like to take advantage of the free flu shot can still contact their schools and ask for permission forms for the second clinic. In Seaforth, the last of a series of four clinics is being held today (Nov. 26) at the Seaforth arena from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mary Cardinal, site leader of Seaforth Community Hospital, says 727 people have been immunized in Seaforth so far, with last week's clinic the busiest so far. Last year, more than 800 shots were given through the Seaforth clinics. According to Health Canada, already there have been 43 cases of flu diagnosed in Canada this fall; two-thirds of those cases were caused by the A Fujian strain. The other cases were caused by the A Panama strain. The health unit urges everyone to get the flu shot to limit the effects of flu infection. Since this Quoted 'With the flu there is something we can do but people aren't taking advantage of lt� Linda Stobo, Huron County Health unit particular strain of flu was not expected to surface this year, it is not covered in this year's flu shot. However, Dr. Beth Henning, Huron County medical officer of health is s t i l l recommending in a recent press release that everyone should get their flu shot as soon as possible. "According to the National Microbiology Lab, the A Fujian strain is similar to the A Panama strain, which is included in this year's flu shot", Henning explains. "The flu shot vaccine will still provide some protection against influenza caused by the A Fujian strain, and will provide full protection against the A Panama strain." This is one of the earliest flu seasons we have had and it seems to be primarily affecting children "Since flu virus activity over the last few years has been generally low, people will have limited or no protective immunity against the virus, putting them at higher risk for serious flu illness", explains Dr. Henning. She says young children are particularly susceptible to the flu because most have little or no history of exposure to the flu virus. Others at risk for complications from the flu include babies, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer or heart problems. Over the last month, the health unit has offered the flu shot to children, youth, and adults in school-based and community-based clinics across the county. It is not too late to get your flu shot. The Seaforth Community Hospital is hosting a free flu shot clinic at . the Seaforth and District Community Centre on Nov. 26 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. You can also get your flu shot by contacting your doctor or by coming to the Huron County Health Unit office in Clinton on weekdays, between 1:15 and 4 p.m. If you have any questions about the flu or the flu shot, contact the health unit at (519) 482-3416; if calling long distance, dial 1-877-837- 6143. For more information, check out the website at [http://www.huroncounty.ca/h e a 1 t h u n i t 1www.huroncounty.ca/healthu nit. Ag Society craft show expecting many new vendors as organizers change date By Sara Campbell Expositor Staff With a new date and many new vendors, organizers are counting down the days until the beginning of the Toy, Sports Card, Teddy Bear, Doll, Gift and Craft Sale. The Seaforth Agricultural Society's 17th annual event is set to take place on Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30 from 10 - 4:30 p.m., at the Seaforth Arena, Public School and Agriplex. "This is a huge project for the society; it's our biggest event," said Joyce Ribey, Seaforth Agriculture Society member and co-ordinator of the event. "Thankfully, we also have many loyal volunteers that assist us and the community is very supportive of the event." Ribey said the society started the event as a farm toy sale in the Agriplex and after a few years it expanded to a craft sale, then toys and so on. She said there is one change with the sale this year - the date. The event is normally held during the first weekend of December but the society found most vendors could not attend when the event is too close to Christmas, she said. "Having it on this weekend makes it a greater way to celebrate the Christmas season in town and do your Christmas shopping," she said. The weekend also includes $I,000 in gas stolen from Grey works yard Close to $1.000 in gas was stolen from a tank at the rear of the building at the public works yard on Newry Road in Grey sometime overnight on Nov. 19. Someone entered the yard during the night, removed a gas -siphoning pump and then used it to steal 200 litres of gas. Anyone with related information is asked to call the Huron OPP or Crime Stoppers. the Seaforth Christmas parade on Nov. 28 and the Tree of Lights Ceremony on Nov. 30. Ribey said the total number of vendors was unknown as of last week because some are still being confirmed. She said there are about 260 tables in total to be set up. "It's a chance to see locals and people from Ontario show off their talent," she said. Many new vendors are expected to participate in the event including a new Tonka toy collector and a vendor from as far as Sudbury with wooden toys to sell. "There are one -of -a -kind toys, dolls and crafts by one - of -a -kind artists,' she said. Ribey said the Agriplex will be filled with farm toys and sports cards or collector's items, while the community centre will be stocked with teddy bears, dolls and gifts, and the public school will be full of crafts. "It's a great way to start a hobby and get together with other collectors. You get to• meet some wonderful people," she said, adding that she starting collecting dolls from attending the sale. She said there will hay rides going to and from each locations and thiere is an ATM available at the Agriplex. Food booths will also be set up at each location including at the public school where Grade 8 students will be cooking to raise funds for their school trip, she said. She said the $4 admission fee will be used towards building upkeep, the fall fair and other society activities. Admission for children under the age 10 are free. Ribey said she is already preparing for next year's event and will be booking vendors on the weekend. THANK YOU I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the residents of Seaforth for allowing me to represent them for the past 15 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and all the people with whom I have had thepleasure to work. Now I look forward to a break and opportunities to do other things. I send my congratulations to our new mayor and councillors and wish them every success in their council endeavours for our Municipality of Huron East on our behalf. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Bill Teall The Bottom line Year end tax strategies! Wednesday, December 3rd 7-9:30 p.m. Huron Business Centre, Seaforth "We have many faithful vendors who keep coming back each year," she said. "We're looking forward to next year's event too." THE HURON EXPOSITOR, NOVEMBER 20, 2003-7 • When It Comes To Protecting Your Assets.... Turn to the Professionals at , GRAY INSURANCE BROKERS INC. Specializing in �. ���• • Farm - Commercial -- Auto - Property 5 MAIN STREET, SOUTH SEAFORTH, ON (519)527-2500 Open Monday to Friday 8:30 am. - 5:00 p.m. - OR by appolnment 1I needed •=1=== Women's Clothing & Accessories SIZES 14 PLUS Quality & Selection Open daily at 10 am Fridays 'til 8 pm TYLED To Fit 61 Hamilton St., Goderikh 524-2374 ...P. A.` w A<IWO:. u "Zaeated 4c Ike s'ea a Wouro emote*" ALBERT STREET DENTURE CLINIC Denture Specialist Dean R. McTaggart D.D. Complete and Partial Dentures Denture Repairs Relines - Additions 482-1195 50 ALBERT STREET CLINTON MITCHELL & DISTRICT CREDIT UNION LTD. TIME TO RENEW YOUII MORTGAGE? CHECK OUT 0011 INCREDIBLY LOW ORTCAGE RATES'! ALREADY HAVE A MORTGAGE WITH USS ASK ABOUT OUR BLEND Bc.EXTEND PROGRAM! I'YEAR RATE 3•75% 5 YEAR RATE 35% $25 per person Call (519) 527-0305 is pre -resister • What financial information do you need at year end? • Who wants to:re it and what are they looking for? • What records need to be kept? and for how long? Sandra Eedy Kevin Quipp Jim Mabb Fred Keller Res: (519) 527-0999 Res: (519) 348-0145 Res: 19) 348-8024 Res: (519) 348-8931 WE WELCOME EVE ING CALLS. MITCHELL (ATM) 348-8448 • SEB • INGVILLE 393-6670 STRATFORD (ATM) 2719083 • SHAKESPEARE 625-8400 www.mitchellcu.ca "YOUR COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION FOR 42 YEARS!"