Belleville shoots back at the flu

 By Denissa Palmer

BELLEVILLE – The beautiful orange and red leaves are just the early signs of winter approaching. With the temperature dropping, the flu season is due to arrive soon.

The Loyalist College Health Centre will be providing further information about how to stay healthy during flu season. Local clinics within Belleville are also advertising that they will offer flu shots.

The Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit has set up flu-shot clinics throughout the region. The next clinic will be Nov. 19 at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, 399 Victoria Ave., between 1 and 7 p.m.

The flu season is due to hit Belleville a  little bit earlier this year, says health-unit nurse Bill Sherlock. To stay healthy during the flu season, it is important to maintain an adequate amount of sleep, low stress levels and a good diet, Sherlock said. He advises people that keeping a balanced and healthy lifestyle will help build a strong immune system.

“For those who aren’t able to attend any of the flu-shot clinics, the … vaccine is also available at local pharmacies. This year, the vaccine was shipped out to 28 pharmacies in Belleville, for those who would rather get it over the counter,” Sherlock said.

He added that he is a firm believer in flu shots, and advises people to get them sooner rather than later.

“Data has been collected throughout the years, and the flu shot is completely safe. The vaccine tricks your body into thinking you have the flu so your body can create the antibodies that fight against any viruses.”

The vaccination varies in effectiveness, but generally it is 60 to 80 per cent effective, Sherlock said. The vaccine isn’t recommended for the elderly and newborns under the age of six months.

The health centre at Loyalist is offering flu shots only by request by the nursing students doing clinical work this semester. Lauren Deans, Loyalist College’s registered nurse, says the flu season is well on its way and advises all students who are sick to stay home. She also advises that regular hand-washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself:

So eat your vegetables, get lots of sleep, stay stress free, wash your hands and consider getting a flu shot – and you have a good chance of the flu flying right by you.