Flu shot offers the best protection against influenza

The flu season is on our doorstep with one case in Huron County. The flu shot is your best defense against getting the flu.

The Ontario government’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) provides immunization protection to increase over-all immunity in the general population and reduce the amount of circulating influenza virus. By receiving a flu shot, you can protect yourself and those most vulnerable.

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease. On average, 3,500 Canadians die and another 12,200 are hospitalized each year as a result of influenza. The very young, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with chronic diseases such as heart disease or asthma are at greatest risk.

The influenza virus changes year-to-year. The strains, or types of virus protection, in the flu vaccine are recommended by the World Health Organization, based on forecasts of which strains will most likely circulate during a given flu season.This year, the vaccine protects against H3N2, H1N1 and B/Phuket.

A new type of quadrivalent vaccine is available this year for children that also protects against B/Brisbane strain. The quadrivalent influenza vaccine comes in two types: an injectable vaccine for children 6 months to 17 years and a nasal spray for those 2 years to 17 years. Infants and young children are at higher risk from the flu as their immune systems are still developing.

In Grey Bruce, the public can get a flu shot at 41 local pharmacies offering shots, as well as from physicians, Family Health Teams and Public Health. Each year, Public Health distributes over 52,000 doses of influenza vaccine to physicians, hospitals, long-term care facilities, workplaces and pharmacists in Grey Bruce.

It’s a good idea to get the flu shot now as the virus is already in circulation. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to build up protection. The sooner you get your flu shot, the sooner you will be protected.

Public Health is offering a flu clinic 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, at 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound. To find a location near you that offers flu shots, check out the flu locator tool at www.ontario.ca/flu

For more information on influenza, go to www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca or call 519-376-9420.

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