Major viruses seem to be contained to a select few hospitals across Canada, but Mary Coles, Lethbridge College’s head nurse, says that doesn’t mean people aren’t getting sick.

The latest bug affected the Vancouver area earlier this year, including hospitals, prisons, daycares, and in other parts of the country in some cases. The bug, called MRSA, has different strains, and some cases are resistant to antibiotics.

“The [staphylococcus] infection, which usually causes skin infections that may look like pimples or boils, can lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections or surgical wound infections,” according to a National Post story.

But, in the United States, the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated last fall that severe infections from the bacteria killed about 19,000 people in 2005, taking more lives than AIDS.”

Staff in Lethbridge College’s health clinic insist that a flu shot is necessary to prevent the spread of some of the most common influenza strains, but nurses aren’t seeing the response they’d like.

“I don’t think we (at the college) saw a huge number of people last year, says Coles, “but [this year], prior to the flu shot, we had a lot of students who were really sick with upper respiratory problems, more than in years past.”

“The flu shot is not 100% effective, but it prevents the complications that could cause death.”

“The college buys it for the staff, [but] only 150 out of 1500 [staff] have taken advantage.

Of the three strains going around this year, two have been brought over from Australia, and the other is from Florida.

“The two “A” viruses are severe, both are from Brisbane,” explained Coles.

How do you prevent from getting sick? Boost your immune system by eating healthier and taking better care of yourself. You can also take vitamins or nasal sprays to help get rid of cold symptoms.”

“You’ll be sick for a week, recover for a week, return to work or school for a week, then comes the relapse, which [will be] another week off school, can you afford to miss three weeks?”

Originally posted 2008-11-07 01:14:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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