According to Statistics Canada, millions of Canadians become infected with seasonal influenza (flu) each year.

Although most people recover from this type of respiratory infection within 10 days, some people are at risk of more serious complications such as pneumonia.

There is an average of about 12,200 flu-related hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths from the flu each year. When flu and pneumonia were combined, they represented the eighth leading cause of death in Canada in 2011.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) recommends that Canadians six months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu every year. The flu vaccine serves to protect the recipient, and also helps prevent the spread of the virus to others. Read more at www.statcan.gc.ca
and search for “flu vaccination rates in Canada”.

Get your flu shot from your primary care practitioner, pharmacist or attend the Public Health Unit clinic on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from noon to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary. The location is at the Wellington & District Community Centre,

These publicly funded vaccines will be available at this clinic: influenza; pneumococcal-age 65-plus; shingles – ages 65-70.

There will also be educational public health presentations, quit smoking information, health booths, resources and more. Community Care will be there with a booth. Come and see us!

Coming Up

There will be a new pop-up games room featuring cards Nov. 17 in Picton. Another pop-up games room will feature Boggle Bonanza Nov. 24.

A Seniors Luncheon Social will be held in Wellington Wednesday, Nov. 22. We will be serving a meal of chopped beef sirloin with apple pie for dessert.

You can attend the presentation “Take Care of You! A recipe for healthy aging for seniors” at 10 a.m. Nov. 24 in Picton with registered nurse Bernadette Hymus who will talk about key factors that contribute to healthy aging, actions seniors can take to help keep their independence and live the best life possible including topics such as physical activity and healthy eating

These events require registration. Call 613-476-7493 for details or to register. Find more info on Community Care’s web site at www.communitycareforseniors.org.

Also, Community Care’s Thrift Shop will host a jewelry silent auction, beginning at noon Monday, Nov. 20.