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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2015-08-05, Page 1414 News Record • Wednesday, August 5, 2015 Immunizations important for all ages Tips to beat the heat The Huron County Health Unit reminds all residents to make sure they and their families have up-to-date immunizations. Recently released studies, such as the 2013 Childhood National Immunization Cov- erage Survey, focus on child- hood immunizations, but adults also need to be immunized. Updated immunizations against diseases such as per- tussis are especially impor- tant if you will be around a newborn or baby. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a serious infection of the breathing system caused by a bacteria. It is very contagious and can occur in people of all ages. The disease is most seri- ous in young children, especially those under one year of age. In this age group pertussis may lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and occa- sionally death. The Huron County Health Unit monitors all cases of pertussis. The Health Unit has recently noted significant pertussis activity in an under - immunized population in the north end of the county. There has been no increased pertussis activ- ity observed in the general population. "Situations like this show why immunizations are important," said Dr. Janice Owen, medical officer of health. "Although we are seeing these pertussis cases in one population, we have a high vaccination rate in our school populations in Huron County." Immunization is the best defense against pertussis. In Ontario, routine child- hood vaccines include pro- tection from pertussis. A booster dose is routine for 14 to 16 year olds. These vaccines are covered under Ontario's Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule. The pertussis vaccine was one of three that became mandatory for Ontario stu- dents last year. Adults can receive a free dose of vaccine that includes protection against pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria. "I encourage all adults to make sure their immuniza- tions are updated, especially if they are going to be in close contact with newborns or babies," Owen said. "Immunizations protect you and the vulnerable ones around you." The heat is on across southern Ontario, but the Huron County Health Unit says you can stay cool despite the high tempera- ture and humidity. It's up to individual municipalities to decide whether to open up cool- ing centres, but you can get into cooler air for a while by visiting libraries, local shopping centres or going to the movies. Public Health Nurse Donna Parsons says it's important to wear light, loose clothing and to keep yourself hydrated with water or juice. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks are not a good idea, because they cause you to lose more fluid from your body. Parsons also advises you to stay in the shade, and to limit outdoor activities to the early morning and late evening hours. If you don't have air conditioning at home you should use a fan, keep windows open slightly but cover the windows with curtains or a shade, and keep any lights low or off. BUSINESS DIRECTORY To advertise in this BUSINESS DIRECTORY Please call Dawn Johnston 519-482-3443 Dave Bernard THE SOME • Bucket Truck Service • Tree Trimming/Removal • Stump Grinding • Free Estimates 1998 CLINTON, ON Est. 9-482 -3976 &LEITER ARPENTRY c r i ry .eek. p1t es Pkune: 519-606-2;42 Ca�J 519-440-2142 BP RENTALS Van Trailers Rentals. Storage & Sales RR#4 WALTON, ON BRENT: Ph: 519-527-0753 • Cell: 519-525-6295 Daae 7'uui4ea CONCRETE FORMING COMMERCIAL ■ RESIDENTIAL TIAL • Nun'Ji ;QM • Floor Finkhinig • Circulur Tanks * S'andwic FREE ESTIMATES WA:: -1 li .'h 519-523.9971 fa%:, -.11.. . To advertise in this BUSINESS DIRECTORY Please call Dawn Johnston 519-482-3443 Carpet, Tile, Granite, Stone, Vinyl, VCT 226-222-1001 [xur hue' rues en SERVICE ENERGY H TIhI G• AIR CO NM ITI ONIN G- ELECTRICAL PLLFM OI P G JEFF WISE 2132 Bai+iioMd FkoaEl, Clinton • 5111:1-482-70132