Archives for October 18, 2019

Instrument 

The instrument is the tool, the device, that is wielded to do the deed. Like a sword, the sword itself does not do the deed, the wielder of the sword directs the actions to either cut some weeds or lop off someone’s head. The \point is that we ought not blame the sword. An instrument is finely made, crafted, fashioned by a craftsperson.  Thus, a stick is not in the same category as the venerable sword

A person used by another person is an instrument, that which does the actual work, but on behalf of another. Like the thermometer measures the temperature for the scientist to see. The instrument is far more sensitive than a person can be. The microscope is a highly sensitive instrument in aid of the human eye. The implement/instrument is directed by a person, extending what the person could do unaided

Musical instruments could be defined by any device or object that can make a consistent repeatable sound. My vote then goes with the drum, a stick tapping on… whatever, but most pleasing when tapping on something hollow. Wikipedia says that mention of instruments in history goes back 67,000 years. After the drum, the oldest musical instrument is the flute. Pleasing to hear, compact to carry

A document which formally describes a financial transaction, legislation or a contract is called an instrument. Then we have how something or some person is deemed instrumental in affecting an effect. Greta Thunberg is an example of a human instrument and her actions are affecting shifts in the thinking of the whole world about climate issues. Double wow as she is yet a teenager shifting our thinking

Instruments are tuned to be used for specific and often difficult tasks. The Hubble telescope ‘looks’ out beyond the edges of our Galaxy. An electron microscope looks at the molecular level. Both extend what humans can do. They are not interchangeable. A scalpel is meant to be used for surgery, not carpentry. We, us humans, are meant to act in some ways, and not in others. Hmmm? How are we deploying the instruments that we are?

Blue skies and a venting index

Hot burn piles east of Golf Course

What is influenza?

Influenza, often called the flu, is a serious and contagious respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalization, and death in severe cases. The infection spreads when a person comes into contact with droplets from an infected person who coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of influenza may include fever, aches, fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Visit healthlink.ca to find out more about influenza.

How can I protect myself?

Protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza by getting your flu shot and preventing the spread of germs. It is important to get a flu shot yearly because influenza viruses change from year to year. Each year the vaccine is updated to include the current viruses that are circulating. Generally, the flu shot offers protection against two influenza A viruses (presently an H1N1 and an H3N2 virus) and one influenza B virus. This year’s vaccine offers protection from the following types of flu strains:

A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
A/Kansas/14/2017 (H3N2)-like virus;
B/Colorado/06/2017-like virus.
This year, two additional quadrivalent vaccines are available. In addition to the strains above these vaccines also offer protection from B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus. These vaccines are intended for children 6 months to 17 years of age.

 

Why should people get vaccinated against the flu?

Flu shots are safe, easy to get, and free for those at risk and their household contacts.

The people at the greatest risk of influenza related complications are adults and children with underlying health conditions, residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities, people 65 years of age and older, children under 60 months of age, pregnant women, and Aboriginal peoples.

It’s important that those who have loved ones that are most at risk of complications from influenza get vaccinated. This will help to build a wall of protection around your loved one and reduce their chances of acquiring influenza illness.

The flu shots is free for the following people:

People 65 years and older and their caregivers/household contacts;
People of any age in residential care facilities;
Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts;
Children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods of time with Aspirin (ASA), and their household contacts;
Children and adults who are morbidly obese;
Aboriginal people;
All children 6 to 59 months of age;
Household contacts and caregivers of infants and children birth to 59 months of age;
Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy during the influenza season and their household contacts;
Visitors to hospitals, health centres and residential care facilities;
People who work with live poultry;
Health-care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who are capable of transmitting influenza disease to those at high risk of influenza complications;
People who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high-risk persons (e.g., crews on ships); and
People who provide essential community services (first responders, corrections workers).

 

Where can I get a flu shot?

The influenza vaccine is available through your pharmacist, health care provider, First Nations community health nurses or your local health unit.

Interior Health immunization clinics will begin the week of Oct 28 and will continue in communities throughout the month of November. Influenza vaccine will continue to be available throughout the winter season by appointment. Call your local health centre for more information.

Source: Interior Health