A Message from the Chief Public Health Officer

Seasonal Flu Prevention

Flu season has arrived once again and I would like to remind you of the simple and important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick.

The flu is serious:

Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory illness that spreads rapidly from person to person.  Every year, between 2,000 and 8,000 Canadians die of the flu and its complications. Some 20,000 become seriously ill and require hospitalization. 

And everyone is at risk of catching the flu.

For most of us, catching the flu can mean a lot of discomfort. Usual symptoms include headache, chills, a cough, fever, aching muscles, runny nose, sneezing, and throat irritation.  Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea might also occur, especially in children.

For some, such as the elderly, children under six, people with weakened immune systems, the flu can cause severe illness, and even death. 

How to protect yourself and others:

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get your flu shot every year.  

Even if you got the flu shot last year, you should get it again this year as your immunity may have decreased over time.  As well, the flu virus changes a little bit every year and the vaccine is reformulated each year to protect against the most current viruses circulating in the community.

You can rest assured that the seasonal flu shot is safe and effective, and remains the best protection against the flu.

In addition to getting your flu shot, it is very important to remember to:

• wash your hands frequently under warm, soapy water;
• cough and sneeze in your arm, not in your hand; and
• stay home when you’re sick.  

New seasonal flu guide:

The Public Health Agency of Canada now has a new seasonal flu guide that offers everything you need to know about protecting yourself and others from infection. 

For more information and to find out if you’re at greater risk from the flu, you can visit Fighflu.ca.

Thank you.