22 Oct 2008
Most of us think that influenza, commonly known as the flu, is relatively minor, but in fact, true influenza is a serious illness. Symptoms include high fever, long lasting cough, chills, fatigue and muscle aches, and while the illness usually lasts two to seven days, fatigue and cough can last longer, making the return to normal daily activities difficult.
For the very young, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems, influenza can lead to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Canada’s public health agency estimates that influenza results in 20,000 hospitalizations and 4,000 deaths each year and puts increased pressure on our healthcare system.
The flu virus is easily spread from infected persons by coughing and sneezing. The virus is also spread through direct contact with surfaces contaminated with it, such as toys, work stations and unwashed hands.
Because the virus changes every year, a new vaccine is developed each year to give protection against the current year’s flu viruses. In Ontario the flu vaccine is available for free to everyone six months of age and older. Being immunized against the flu offers the best protection against the virus; it’s also the best way to protect those close to you who are at risk for serious consequences of getting the flu.
The flu shot is especially recommended for people at high risk of influenza-related complications and is particularly important for those older than 65 years of age, healthy children aged six to 23 months, pregnant women in all stages of pregnancy, adults and children with chronic heart or breathing problems, diabetes, cancer, or other long-term medical conditions; residents of long-term care facilities; and people traveling to places where the influenza virus is circulating.
It’s especially important that people who can pass the virus to those at high risk also be vaccinated against the flu. These include:
- healthcare service providers and family who have contact with residents of continuing care facilities;
- other healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, and emergency response;
- those who provide home care for persons in a high risk group; and
- household contacts of people at high risk of complications, including contacts of children less than six months of age, and of children six to 23 months (whether or not they have been immunized).
There are some people who should not receive the flu shot. These include people who have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs and/or any other component of the vaccine, and infants under six months of age.
In addition to getting a flu shot, you can help protect yourself from the spread of illness by washing your hands regularly, staying at home when you have flu-like symptoms, eating healthy foods, staying active and getting plenty of sleep.
Flu clinics begin across Simcoe Muskoka the first week of November. To find out more about the flu shot, or for a clinic in your area, call Your Health Connection, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) or check the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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