The Citizen, 2002-12-24, Page 3511,E)Salck
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David,
a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
- Luke 2:10
With best wishes to all of you on this most joyous occasion.
BORRMANN'S GARAGE
Cty. Rd. 12 (near Diesel Car Diner)
RR #1 BLUEVALE 335-3857
FROM OUR FAMILY
TO YOURS
May this season bring you plenty of good friends,
goodwill and good tidings.
Thanks for helping us to wrap up a merry year.
Bill, Karen, Bryce & Brett
Gary, Kim, Trevor, Lacey, Kristen & Phil
G &M
Auto Parts •
Turnberry St.
Brussels
4r
M Auto Portz Phis
4111111111MMININIMI
Brakes, Exhaust, Tune-Ups & Safety
Checks, Exhaust Gas
Diagrfostic Capabilities,
Licenced Auto Repair Since 1989
Now Licenced Emiy,ion
Repair Technician
THE CITIZEN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2002. PAGE 35.
Hand washing helps prevent Norwalk virus spread
Norwalk virus is a common cause
of vomiting and diarrhea each
winter. Often referred to as the
stomach flu or winter vomiting
disease. it tends to circulate in the
winter months but can occur any
time of year.
Norwalk virus infections have
been linked to outbreaks in child-
care centres, hospitals and long-term
care facilities, as well as on cruise
ships, schools and households. So
far this year, outbreaks have been
reported across Ontario including
Toronto, Kitchener, and London.
Health units are not officially
notified of individual cases of
Norwalk virus unless there is an
outbreak, but the Huron County
Health Unit suspects the virus may
be circulating since area physicians
have reported an increased number
of patients with symptoms
consistent with Norwalk virus.
How is Norwalk virus spread?
The Norwalk virus is found in the
stool and sometimes in the vomit of
ill persons. The Norwalk virus
spreads very easily from person to
person; if you touch an ill person's
unwashed hands and then put your
hands up to your mouth, you may
come into contact with the virus.
The virus may also survive on
hard objects like door knobs and
stair railings. It may be spread
through the air after an ill person
vomits. Symptoms usually appear
one to two days after exposure.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Most individuals will experience
one to three days of nausea,
vomiting and watery diarrhea. Other
symptoms may include fever and
stomach cramps. Severe illness or
hospitalization is uncommon.
Individuals usually recover in two to
three days without serious or long-
term health effects.
A stool sample is required to test
for and diagnose Norwalk virus;
however, this is not necessary if
recovery occurs within two to three
days.
Who is at risk?
Everyone.
The symptoms of Norwalk virus
infection may be more severe for
older individuals, young children
and those with underlying medical
conditions, who are at high risk of
becoming dehydrated.
How can the spread be prevented?
• Wash hands thoroughly for at
least 15-20 seconds with soap. and
warm water after using the toilet
and before preparing or eating
food;
• Do not prepare food for others if
you have symptoms of a Norwalk
virus infection;
• Get plenty of rest and stay home
until you are no longer infectious to
others, which is a minimum of 48
hours after symptoms have
resolved (especially vomiting and
diarrhea).
• If you have symptoms of dial-rhea
and/or vomiting, avoid visiting
loved ones in nursing homes,
retirement homes and hospitals
until you have been symptom-free
for at least 48 hours.
Is there a vaccine?
No. Currently, there is no vaccine
available in Canada to prevent
Norwalk virus infections.
Is Norwalk Virus "the flu"?
• People often refer to the
symptoms of Norwalk virus as the
"stomach flu"; however, influenza
(the 'real flu') is a much more
serious respiratory illness with
symptoms of abrupt onset of cough
and fever.
Though getting the annual
influenza vaccine is important each
winter, the influenza vaccine will not
protect you against the.
What should you do if you think
that you or a family member has
a Norwalk virus infection?
• Do not .attend or visit schools, day
cares, hospitals, "or long-term care
facilities until yoU are no longer
infectious to others, which is a
minimum of 48 hours after
symptoms have resolved
(especially vomiting and diarrhc;' hr occl (1/2 cup bleach to 4 1/2
• Drink lots of fluid and get plenty cops of water);
of bed rest; • Seek medical attention if
• Frequently disinfect high traffic 'upturns persist kir more than 72
areas like taps, bathrooms, hours.
doorknobs, and countertops with a For more information about the
bleach and water solution or One Norwalk virus, please call the Huron
tsp. bleach to- two cups of water. County Health Unit at 482-3416 or it
For cleaning up vomit and diarrhea, calling long distance, dial 1-877-
a stronger bleach solution should 837-6143.
JITIPIAC WARN
481211DAY WISHES
JIMA WAY
-••••11”1.••• ::::: •
We just wanted to say
"Merry Christmas",
and "thanks" for calling
on us this past year.
We appreciate your
kind patronage.
from Ron, Betty, Paul
and Dianne
Musical interlude
Blyth Public School students were treated to some music, seasonal and otherwise, when the
F.E. Madill senior band and choir visited the school, Dec. 19. (Janice Becker photo)
K.M.M. FARM
DRAINAGE
Walton
887-6428 (Shop) 527-1633
Jr. Fanners donate to charitites
Holiday Greetings
May happiness and peace be yours
all through this joyous season.
Thanks to our many friends and neighbours
for their patronage.
Carl, Curtis & Luke
McCallum Automotive
R.R. #4 Walton beside Family Paradise
527-2332
Christmas will be a little brighter
for several Huron County charities,
hospitals and organizations, thanks
to donations of over $8,500 made by
the Huron County Junior Farmer
Club (HCJF) at a wine and cheese
reception held Thursday, Dec. 12, at
the OMAF office, Clinton.
As an affiliated club of the Junior
Farmers' Association of Ontario, the
Huron County Junior Farmer club
works to fulfill a mission statement
of "building future rural leaders
through self-help and community
betterment." Club members have
raised the money throughout 2002
through community events.
Recipients of donations for 2002
from HCJF include branches of the
Huron County Christmas Bureau,
which received approximately
$1500. worth of new toys and clothes
to be distributed to children
throughout Huron County. Members
collected Canadian Tire money
throughout the year and additional
funds were raised at a dance at the
Brussels, Morris and Grey
Community Centre on Nov. 16.
"The Christmas Bureau project is a
Continued on page 36
Family
Owned &
Operated