November 3, 2015
Story by Heather Kipling
As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who spends her days helping children who have difficulties speaking, understanding or using language, you could say that Eden Molineux is a champion at improving communication.
You could also say that the mother of two is a flu champ, passionate about influenza immunization for herself and her family as well as for the young clients she supports.
“Through my work in two local schools, I’m around children a lot and they’re young children who are more vulnerable to illnesses like influenza,” says Molineux, who is part of the Children’s Rehabilitation Services team in Red Deer. After she received care from an SLP when she was younger, Molineux is now the one leading the way for others.
“As a healthcare provider, I want to lead by example. I have a responsibility to do what I can to keep my patients safe. That’s one of the reasons I get immunized.”
Through her work, Molineux uses a variety of assessments to identify where children are having communication difficulties, be it in speech, language, social interaction, fluency, voice, or literacy. She provides support in both one-on-one and classroom settings, which puts her in close contact with clients, parents and teachers.
Whenever people are in close contact with each other, such as Molineux is through her work, the chances that illness may spread between individuals increases. Combine that with the fact that influenza is spread through the air when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes, or even talks, and that it can also be spread by touching objects that have been coughed or sneezed on, such settings can become ripe for spreading illness.
“I don’t want to spread the illness to my clients, and I want to protect my family by not bringing the illness home to them if I’m exposed to it at work,” Molineux says. “I have two young boys at home who I want to make sure are protected.”
Children's immune systems are less mature than those of adults, making them more susceptible to germs. They’re also more prone to germy habits like sticking their fingers or objects in their mouths, which raises their chances of being exposed to germs and illness.
Chances are that Molineux will be exposed to someone with influenza this season, but the chance she’s not willing to take is spreading it to others.
“We get immunized as a family to protect ourselves and others,” says Molineux, as she holds a picture of her sons, Nash, 4, and Nate, 18 months, close. “I encourage others to do the same. It’s your best protection.”
Influenza immunization is available to all Albertans six months of age and older as of October 20. Find a clinic near you.
