Infectious Disease
Infectious diseases are a continuing concern for everyone as they can cause serious health problems. Infectious diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. The spread of infectious disease can come from direct or indirect contact from one person to another. Vaccines and hand washing are the best defense against Infectious diseases.
Over the years a reduction in diseases have been effectively controlled by the introduction and use of vaccines, improved sanitation and infection prevention and control strategies like hand washing and cough etiquette. Immunization has saved more lives in Canada than any other health intervention and contributed to the reduced numbers of ill people and deaths caused by Infectious diseases.
A number of diseases are reportable to Public Health so that those who are ill can receive further information.
People can take help to protect themselves from getting sick by practicing good hand washing and knowing what vaccines they need to help them stay well.
Public Health has a number of programs and services in place to prevent and reduce Infectious diseases. Some examples include:
- Vaccination clinics for routine and travel-related
- Infection prevention and control
- Food safety and food handler certification
- Region-wise pandemic planning
- Conducting surveillance and communicating with health care sector
- Infectious disease counselling
Top 5 Reportable Infectious Diseases
| Reportable Diseases | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Influenza |
| 2 | Hepatitis C |
| 3 | Campylobacter enteritis |
| 4 | Salmonellosis |
| 5 | Adverse vaccine event |
Source: Reportable Diseases, 2009, Integrated Public Health Information System (iPhis), Obtained from Cognos ReportNet 2.1. Extracted: July 2010.
In Niagara region Public Health programs works closely together to eliminate or minimize the occurrence and impact of infectious diseases within Niagara. Above are the top five reportable Infectious diseases. As shown in the above table, Hepatitis C is the most common reportable infectious disease in Niagara region.
Flu Shot Coverage
| % who received flu shot | Niagara | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| ages 12+ 1 | 48.1 | 52.3 |
| ages 12-64 | 47.7 | 51.0 |
| ages 65+ | 79.4 | 86.2 |
1 Age-Standardized rate (Canada 1991)
Source: Canadian Community Health Survey 4.1, 2007-2008, Statistics Canada, Share File, Ontario MOHLTC.
In Ontario, Influenza continues to be a major cause of preventable illness and death. Influenza viruses are highly contagious respiratory illnesses. Approximately half (48.1%) of the Niagara region population (aged 12 years +) received their flu shot. Niagara did not differ significantly from the Ontario average for total flu shot coverage.
Groups at increased risk for Influenza complications include the elderly, immuno-compromised and persons with chronic medical conditions. On average, 500-1,500 deaths every year are due to Influenza alone.
Last year, among those aged 12-64 years of age, less Niagara region residents reported receiving a flu shot compared to Ontario residents (47.7% versus 51.0%). Similarly, among those 65 years of age and older, Ontario had a higher percentage of residents who received a flu shot in the last year (86.2%) than Niagara (79.4%). Niagara did not differ significantly from Ontario for flu coverage among either age group.
Sometimes with elderly persons or persons with a weakened immune system, the level and length of time of vaccine protection is not quite as good as with healthy children or younger adults but it still helps to prevent Pneumonia or other serious medical complications, hospital admission and even death (Niagara Region Public Health).
Links
- Infectious Disease and Vaccinations
- Common Infectious Diseases
- Hand Hygiene
-
Vaccination Campaigns in Schools
(school campaigns HPV, Hep B, number of flu doses distributed and attendees at clinics) - Immunizations
