By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
Vaccines are the best weapons to fight illness in the winter when respiratory illness hits its peak.
That’s the advice of Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, acting medical officer of health for Chatham-Kent Public Health.
“Vaccines are a modern-day miracle of scientific medicine,” the physician explained. His remarks coincided with the Oct. 30 rollout of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to the general public.
At last week’s C-K board of health meeting, it was reported that Public Health distributed more than 20,000 vaccines last season and is on track for the same number this year.
The number includes 30 different vaccines, he added, an impressive feat for an agency serving a population of 100,000.
“Almost all of us have gone to the doctor and got a vaccine,” he said, including the prevention of tetanus (lockjaw); mumps, and hepatitis B.
“Under these circumstances, the goal is to prevent someone from getting sick before they are exposed to a virus or bacteria,” the doctor said, adding vaccines can help you even after you’ve been exposed, citing rabies as a case in point.
Staying current with vaccinations is the best way to prevent illness, officials said, noting the severity of illness is lessened in those that are vaccinated.
In addition to getting the shot, individuals are advised to be proactive by practising good hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing a mask and disinfecting high touch surfaces. If folks are feeling unwell, they are advised to stay home, rest and hydrate, and consult a health-care provider if symptoms worsen or if they are in a high-risk group.
