Flu Clinics Promoted

The Northwestern Health Unit's medical officer of health admits they won't get everybody, but is hoping residents heed the advice of getting the H1N1 vaccine.

H1N1 flu shot clinics began yesterday for area residents.

Dr. James Arthurs says while reported cases of H1N1 may be low, the flu strain is very present in the district.

"If you're sick with flu," says Arthurs, "the definition of flu being fever, aches and pains, feel very tired and fatigued and develop a cough, the likelihood of developing H1N1 is 90 per cent."

Arthurs says they are giving priority to people in high risk categories, but won't turn away those people who aren't considered high risk and want their shot now.

Arthurs says the recent deaths of two teenagers in Ontario from the H1N1 flu could force a rethink of who should be getting the vaccine right away.

Children aged 5 to 18 were not initially considered at high risk, but Arthurs says that could change.

"This is an ongoing changing situation. It may look to many people that we are changing our minds but we are responding to the latest information and latest science."

Arthur says there are no plans to hold clinics in local schools, but that could also change if the number of children who contract the flu rise sharply.