January 10, 2014
EDMONTON — A local Flu Care Clinic opens today to provide residents with care and assistance for moderate influenza symptoms.
The clinic does not offer immunizations. Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff will provide assessment, treatment and advice to patients who require care, antivirals and/or medication for influenza symptoms. The clinic is located at 13221 – 115 Ave., and is open every day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice.
“The Flu Care Clinic is a good place for local and area residents to receive care with moderate influenza symptoms. By keeping people with moderate symptoms away from hospitals and emergency departments, we also reduce the risk of influenza transmission to vulnerable patients and their families,” says Dr. Chris Sikora, Edmonton Zone Medical Officer of Health.
Common influenza symptoms include cough, fever, muscle aches, lethargy and lack of appetite.
Residents with moderate influenza symptoms can also:
The supply of influenza vaccine will continue to be available through to the end of this week. Visit www.albertahealthservices.ca, or call Health Link Alberta, for timely information on vaccine availability. After the close of clinics, some doses of vaccine will be reserved for children who have received first doses and require second doses of the vaccine. Limited doses will also be reserved to address specific outbreaks in health care centres and continuing care sites.
Dr. Sikora encourages residents to protect themselves and others from the virus by washing their hands regularly with soap and warm water. “It’s the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection,” he says.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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