Communicable diseases (CD) are diseases that can be passed between people via proximity, social contact or intimate contact. They include the flu, measles, whooping cough, tuberculosis and others, yes, including Ebola.
Protecting ourselves from communicable diseases are two connected strategies: prevention, and control. And to be most effective, information about the diseases needs to be up to date and coordinated. That’s where a communicable disease strategy comes in.
In the past, incidents of communicable disease identified by positive lab results were sent to local public health nurses via the Medical health officer, who, after contacting the person’s physician, would begin follow-up with the client and their potential contacts. While effective at the local level, there is a risk of missing larger trends.
During the past two years, the reporting and follow-up has been centralized so that Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) coordinates the Communicable Disease Program for the region with central reporting and management of reportable diseases and outbreaks. The more centralized system also simplifies sharing of information with the community via a toll-free number to assist with questions or concerns (1-855-675-3900).
Another useful resource is VCH’s “Sneezes & Diseases” on-line at www.vch.ca/media/SneezesDiseases. This is a great parent reference for particular communicable diseases. For example, did you know that while children receive the tetanus vaccine at infancy with a booster in Grade 9, as adults, we should have boosters every 10 years?
The ImmunizeBC.ca website provides the routine immunization schedule for infants and children. It also offers a valuable new resource: “Immunization, a Healthy Choice for Your Child: A Guide for New Parents.” It provides clear explanations for parents to understand why vaccines are important for children of all ages.
Did you know that you can call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1? It’s a free 24-hour health service to answer communicable disease and immunization questions. And the BC Centre for Disease Control (www.bccdc.ca) also provides important updates for the public.
Prevention is such a key element in reducing communicable diseases. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that an invaluable part of the annual strategy against influenza is immunization. While older folks and children are most likely to benefit from the protection offered by the flu vaccine, it is widely recommended that everyone get their flu shot. Doing so may not only help you avoid the illness, but it will prevent you from spreading it to others who may be more vulnerable.
The dates of public health flu clinics will be advertised in all local newspapers as well as on the VCH website. If you can’t get to a clinic, pharmacists and physicians also provide flu immunizations. Some communities will also be holding special clinics for children and their families. Contact your local public health office or visit VCH.ca for more information.
Identifying an outbreak of communicable disease is critical to minimizing its spread, but prevention is a far superior strategy. Would you rather prevent cases of measles or the flu, or to have to deal with treatment and other implications?
Editor’s note: Dr. Paul Martiquet is the medical health officer for rural Vancouver Coastal Health including Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
