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"A Family Tradition for 132 Years" ~ Aaa-choo! Yes, flu season is back, and it's time to brace yourself for all that entails By Chris Hall Port Perry Star The cold and flu season has arrived, and Durham health officials are on alert. "We haven't really seen any outbreaks of influen- za yet, but we're moni- toring the situation close- ly in area hospitals, nursing homes, day cares and schools," Marion Megesi, the communica- ble disease program man- ager with the Durham Regional Health Department, said last week. "If it starts, it most likely will begin spread- ing in those places, and we'll know if it's coming around." B Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a virus that usually involves a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fever, headache, and muscle aches. It typically lasts between five to 10 days, but the coughing and weakness can linger for up to six weeks. Influenza itself cannot kill a person, but compli- cations can put some peo- ple in danger, said Ms Megesi. "It does not make you chronically ill, but for the elderly or young, or those with chronic heart and lung diseases, it can cause pneumonia or death." Because the flu is spread so easily -- it can be contracted through direct contact with con- taminated hands, toys, and clothes as well as coughing and sneezing -- Ms Megesi urges those at "high risk to get a flu shot. "We're working with physicians to get the elderly and other indi- viduals at risk inoculated, but for those who just want to be safe, they can go to their doctor and ask for a vaccination. There's no cost if you fit into the risk category, but for oth- ers it's a minimal cost," she said, estimating the cost to be between $5 and $10. "It's well worth the cost, especially for those working with the elderly, the young or those at risk. It protects both you and them and the families involved." Even those who have contracted the influenza virus can still get a vac- cination shot, she said. "If you feel sick you should get a shot anyway. The flu shot will not 100 per cent protect you from getting the virus, but it will prevent against the complications that could lead to death." The only people who cannot receive the shot are those who are allergic to hens' eggs, she said. An alternative vaccine is available for them. "The flu season usually runs from November to April so the best way to be safe is to get a vacci- nation," said Ms Megesi. "Wash your hands real- ly, really well and when you cough and sneeze use a tissue and cover your mouth." ee DAVID M. HODSON Lawyer 985-2593 A full range of family and criminal law services for Port Perry and our surrounding community" Ler r--------) for refusing a breathalyzer test a police handed ut 43 other various ) Pe ~~ J 2a NONNNENN Save on great 2 brand names in outerwear and footwear for the entire family. [4 eh AN %, off Mens, Womens and Kids outerwear by Brooks, Utex, Oshkosh and more! "40% | Boots for Men, Women and Kids by CC Sorel, Kodiak, Toe Warmers and more! 0 ENNNS SN S ~ 1 - ICN Si FREER ~ - 4 ' \ j aL LL ITNS Za --- JW Ty SE VN 0 J off Aan { 207 SE) 5 Hats, Mitts, Gloves and Scarves EAR HEA ------ for the entire family! Brooks shoe sale ends Tues. Jan. 19, 1999. - . . --_,7 EE 2 a m---- a omy ania (Q] 0) fO( 18 168 Queen SG. Port Perry 983-252 178 Queen St. Port Perry 985-8334 YH oo Chali cl Sve Ste 174 Queen St. Port Perry 985-8797 Pe SL EY RAY EY i Baa i