Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a common, highly-contagious respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms usually last about 7 to 10 days. The flu is not like a common cold. It is a serious infection especially in infants, seniors and in people who have other medical conditions such as diabetes, anemia or kidney disease. The flu may also lead to complications, such as pneumonia, and may worsen certain other conditions like asthma, congestive heart failure or diabetes.
Approximately 3-7.5 million Canadians will get the flu in any given year. Approximately 12,200 Canadians are hospitalized because of the flu and its complications each flu season; about 3,500 Canadians will die from pneumonia related to the flu and other serious complications of the flu.
In Canada, the flu season usually runs from November to April. This is why it is important to get your flu shot between October and December, before the number of cases of flu increases in Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the US Centers for Disease Control both advise that the best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine in the late fall. Since the virus causing the flu changes from year to year, the flu vaccine you received last year may not protect you this year. If the vaccine and the flu strain are a good match, the vaccine can prevent the flu in about 70%-90% of healthy children and adults. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.
Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Every Canadian over the age of six months should get an annual flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is especially important for:
- Children aged 6-23 months
- Adults and children with chronic heart and lung disease and chronic conditions such as diabetes, anemia, cancer, HIV or kidney disease
- People living in a nursing home
- People aged 65 and over
- Children and adolescents on long-term aspirin (ASA) therapy
- Healthy pregnant women
- Health care workers; caregivers
Most people will recover fully in about 7 or 10 days, but some may develop serious complications. The following groups of people may be at greater risk of developing complications from the flu, if they do get sick:
- Children younger than five years old (especially those younger than two years old)
- Women who are pregnant
- Aboriginal people
People with chronic conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Blood disorders
- Diabetes
- Severe obesity
- Asthma and chronic lung disease
- Immunosuppression (people taking cancer drugs or people with HIV/AIDS)
- Neurological disorders
Non-drug practices for preventing the flu include frequent hand-washing, avoiding touching your face with your hands, sanitizing household surfaces and children’s toys, and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
Viva Care Pharmacy in both Newton and Guildford are providing flu shots this season when they become available. Please come visit us and protect yourself from the flu!