The Oakville Beaver, W e d n e s d a y D e c e m b e r 3, 2003 - A 5 Health officials still recommend flu shots as prevention measure (Continued from page A1) As of late yesterday there were eight cases of influenza A in Halton; it's not known how many of them had a flu shot prior to getting sick. This time last year there were six flu cases. Carson said there are no reported flu outbreaks in Halton so far this year. The' past four flu seasons have been mild, and many young children have not had an opportunity to be exposed to influenza viruses, and the Region stressed it's even more important for kids over the age of six months to get a flu shot " Regardless of (a person's) physical condition, the flu shot is going to offer pro tection," said Ministry of Health spokesperson John Letherby late yester day: Canada's annual flu death toll is esti mated between 500 and 1,500 deaths. When the flu virus strikes, it inflames the lining of the respiratory tract, resulting in symptoms ranging from fever, chills, muscle aches and loss of appetite to a sore throat and dry cough. It turns deadly when the immune sys tem, already weakened by flu, can't fend off bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis or ear and sinus infections. Meanwhile, the Region is waiting for test results from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg to determine if any of the regional flu cases involved the new and potentially-deadly strain, called A Fujian. The A Fujian wasn't part of this year's flu vaccine, which is designed to guard against three strains, including A Panama. Health officials say there are similarities between A Panama and A Fujian and the vaccine offers some cross protection, and is another reason why the flu shot is being recommended. Normally a vaccine offers 90 per cent protection. The Ministry of Health has identified a number of cases of A Fujian in the province and is considered the primary strain of influenza this winter season, she said. The Region has a number of free flu shot clinics set up over the next several weeks. For more information, call 905825-6000 or visit the Web site at www.region.halton.on.ca/health. The Region has reported a 20 per cent jump in the number of flu shots it has administered this year versus last year. Hu shots are also offered by physicians. In addition to the flu shot, the regional health department is also reminding people they can help limit the spread of germs by staying home when ill, washing hands and using a tissue to cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing. Temporary layoffs upset Ford union members (Continued from page A1) Workers (CAW ) Local 707 President Bob Van Cleef. workers are upset that because of the timing of the layoffs, they will each lose two days pay right before Christmas "This has really angered people," said Van Cleef, who added that letters to that effect are circulating throughout the plant. " Layoffs are bad, but it's these two extra days that have burned people." In conjunction with plans to close the adjacent Ontario Truck Plant (OTP) next year, and as part of workers' current col lective agreement. Ford and its union hammered out a deal that would see a third shift created at the OAP, increase output of Freestars and provide employ ment for 900 displaced OTP employees. As for whether the situation threatens the proposed third shift at the OAP, More said Ford "has nothing to announce" at this time. Van Cleef said the third shift and the layoffs are two separate issues, the latter having more to do with sagging minivan sales across the market and the fact that the Freestar " order bank" is low. Van Cleef said it " makes sense" to allow the plant to go dark when inventory is high. The last Windstar rolled off the line this past July and was replaced in the fall by the Freestar. According to Ford, the new minivan includes so many new features, safety improvements and other quality enhance ments that it deserved a whole new name plate. To create the Freestar, Ford poured $600-million into the OAP. notably the robot-intensive body assembly area designed to provide spot-perfect welds in a more environmentally friendly work place. Installation of this high-tech equip ment in O AP's new 120,000 square foot body assembly area began in October 2002. This investment includes 170 new robots in a facility which - unlike the old body Shop - is powered by pneumatics and electricity, eliminating hydraulic motors. How safe is your water? Is th e q u a lity o f y o u r d r in k in g w a ter im p o r ta n t to you? C O M E C LEA N W IT O U S is concerned w ith the quality o f Ontario's drinking water and you should be too! T hat's w hy they are introducing a drinking water purification system that will dramatically improve your water's quality. By elim inating up to 99% o f dissolved impurities and removing chlorine taste, odour and colour you are left with top quality tasting water. C O M E C l J A N W IT H US uses a process called Reverse Osm osis. Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane in conjunction with carbon block filtration and absorption technologies. T his results in dissolved solids and impurities being removed. And at a cost o f only 10 to 15 cents for a gallon! These units are designed to easily fit under your kitchen sink which include a stylish drinking water faucet to fit your counter top. "More convenient and more cost effective than bottled water this system can be used anywhere, hom e, cottage, office or apartment" explains Fred Hellam o f C O M E C LEAN W IT H U S. C O M E C LEAN W IT H U S also sells shower filters and softeners that offer a more luxurious shower. Eliminating chlorine, odours and sedim ent, the filter reduces dry flaky skin and brittle damaged hair. A nyone with sensitive skin wanting to avoid itching should use the Shower Fresh Filter. Another benefit o f Shower Fresh is its unique flow restricting shower head that saves hundreds o f dollars on energy and water cost. "Everyone is welcom e to bring a sample o f their water to our store in Oakville at #1 - 198 Speers Road - just west o f Kerr Street. We will test their water for the quality that it is. 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