As the Medical Director of Winterberry, my very highest priority is your continued good health. The flu is highly contagious. Children, seniors and people living with chronic disease are more vulnerable to the flu and are at a greater risk of serious illness and even death. I encourage you to be as well protected as possible going into winter and hope to see you in our clinic for vaccinations soon.
Home October 2023
Newsletter
October, 2023
We’re coming into fall and flu season! Time to get informed and protected.
With fall in full swing, now is the time to get accurate information about the flu and the flu vaccine.
To get started, here are Five Important Things to Know about the Flu:
- There is more than one strain of the flu
- You can’t get sick from the flu vaccine
- Antibiotics are never needed for the flu. The flu is a virus and antibiotics are for bacterial infections
- Treat symptoms with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications
- The flu shot is the best defense and suitable for anyone six months and up
Your health is in your hands and we hope to see you at the clinic soon. To book a flu shot appointment, call us at 905‑575‑9004.
We urge you to protect your family and yourself this fall.
Who should get the flu shot?
According to the Ontario Medical Association, everyone who is six months or older should get the flu shot. It not only protects you if you are exposed, but it also prevents you from passing it to others. Doctor offices, clinics and pharmacies are available to administer the flu shot and you are also encouraged to be up to date with your eligible COVID-19 shots. For a flu shot appointment, call us at 905‑575‑9004.
Message from Patient Liaison Rachel
If you have a complement or a concern, I’m here for you. Email me by clicking the link below.
Congratulations to Kristen and Glen on their new baby!
Congratulations!How can I protect myself from flu?
Ways to keep the flu away.Who is considered high risk for flu?
Click to find outOverview of the flu including what to do if you do get sick:
Ontario Ministry of Health Flu PageNews
Is it the flu or Covid?
If you feel sick or have any symptoms, even if mild, you should stay home.
The flu and COVID-19 have similar and overlapping symptoms and only a COVID-19 test can confirm that you do not have COVID-19. In some cases, a test to see if you have influenza can also be ordered. Generally, common COVID-19 symptoms include, but are not limited to, a sore throat, new or worsening cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache and fatigue that develop gradually over a few days and last for up to two weeks. Common flu symptoms include a high fever, cough and muscle aches and pains that develop quickly and last for about a week.
Team Spotlight
Dayna, Registered Nurse
Dayna is a Certified Diabetes Educator
Helping You To Know Us Better
Meet Dayna, our Certified Diabetes Educator
At Winterberry we’re proud of our team and are always looking for ways to not only celebrate and showcase them. We’re also dedicated to helping our patients get to know our team them better and that’s why each month we catch up with one of our amazing Winterberry team members and ask them a few questions. These quick Q+A’s help all of us get a glimpse into what makes them a special part of our team.
Dayna, what is your role with Winterberry?
I am a Registered Nurse, and Certified Diabetes Educator
What is the best part of being a Certified Diabetic Educator?
The best part of being a Diabetes Educator, is providing our clients with the tools, knowledge and resources needed to successfully self-manage their diabetes.
What interested you about being a Diabetic Educator? Why did you choose this area of specialty?
Millions of people in Canada live with diabetes, and education is the key to good management of diabetes. Health teaching is already a big part of my role as a nurse, and I wanted to specialize in an area of need.
As a Certified Diabetic Educator you’re a vital part of our team, can you share any special moments from Winterberry that made you know that you’re making a positive difference in our patient’s lives?
Anytime our patients feel supported, confident and accomplished is a good day. Some simple smiles and laughs, never hurt either.
When you’re not at work, what are your hobbies and special interests?
When I am not at work, you will either find me, outside with my kids and dog, or travelling to a new wine region with my husband.
Past Newsletters
September, 2023
August, 2023
July, 2023
June, 2023
Recent Articles
by Dr. Steven Zizzo