Southern Health-Santé Sud will be holding seasonal Flu Clinics throughout the region beginning October 22, 2019 through to mid-November. Annual immunization is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your friends and family from getting the flu.

Influenza, commonly known as "the flu", is a viral illness that affects many people every year and can cause severe illness or complications in those who are vulnerable – young children, the elderly and those living with chronic medical conditions. The virus spreads easily from person to person by direct contact, coughing and sneezing. The flu is different from a cold. The most common symptoms include sudden onset of: high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, coughing and feeling tired. These symptoms typically begin two days after exposure to the virus and most last less than a week. The cough, however, may last for more than two weeks.  In children, there may be nausea and vomiting, but these are not common in adults.

By getting the influenza vaccine, you will have better odds of fighting circulating flu viruses.

Who Needs to get Immunized:

It is important that everyone who is six months of age and older consider getting immunized to protect not only your own health, but the health of your loves ones as well.

For the 2019-20 season, an annual flu vaccine is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts. This includes:

• Seniors age 65 or older
• Residents of personal care homes or long-term care facilities
• Children age six months to five years
• Those with chronic illness
• Pregnant women
• Health care workers and first responders
• Individuals of Indigenous ancestry
• People who are severely overweight or obese
• or as determined by your primary health care provider

Adults over the age of 65 should also get a pneumococcal vaccine.  Most adults only need one pneumococcal vaccine in their lifetime.  It helps protect against pneumococcal disease, including a serious type of pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis.

Where can I get Immunized:

• Visit the home page and access the Flu Clinics Flyer; or
• Ask your primary care provider or, for persons 7 years of age and older, visit your local pharmacy.

For more information about seasonal influenza - contact your health care provider or call Health Links-Info Santé at toll-free 1-888-315-9257.