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November 1, 2022
We have our first individual diagnosed with influenza (flu) in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville and there are additional people diagnosed in our area. Flu is going around in our region. This first flu case was identified approximately one month earlier than the first case in a typical flu season prior to COVID-19, which may be indicative of a prolonged and severe flu season this year.
The flu is a preventable illness that can be very dangerous for some people. Because the flu is highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person, it’s important that people follow these steps to protect themselves and others in the community: Get a flu shot, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, keep frequently touched hard surfaces clean and disinfected, cover your cough, and stay home when you’re sick.
Influenza vaccination will be very important this fall with the co-circulation of COVID-19 disease to protect personal health as well as mitigate the impact on our health care system. Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and over. A new flu vaccine is produced each year to protect against the three strains of flu that most commonly circulate during flu season. Pregnant women are advised to get a flu shot. Children older than 6 months and younger than 9 years who are getting the flu shot for the first time should get a second dose one month later.
It takes approximately two weeks for the flu vaccine to reach maximum protection, so be sure to get the shot as soon as it’s available.
Some people are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu:
- Very young children, especially those 2 years and younger
- pregnant women,
- People over 65 and
- Adults and children with chronic diseases such as diabetes, respiratory, heart, kidney disease or cancer.
The flu vaccine is the safest way to protect yourself and your family and friends from the flu virus. The vaccine protects about 70 percent of people who get the flu shot. However, the degree of protection in the elderly is less because their immune system is weaker. It’s possible to still get the flu even though you’ve had the flu shot, but getting the shot will help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
You cannot get the flu by getting a flu shot. The flu shot does not contain a live virus, so it is unable to give you the flu. Most people do not respond to the flu shot, while some report soreness at the injection site for several days. After getting a flu shot, some people may experience a mild fever, feeling tired, or muscle aches, and this is considered a normal post-vaccination reaction. It’s not the flu.
Do I have to wait to get the flu shot if I just got the COVID-19 shot?
No, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has recommended that there is no longer a time gap between getting your COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccine (including your flu shot). The most important thing is to get them both as early as possible.
HOW YOU CAN GET THE FLU VACCINE?
Leeds Grenville and Lanark Health Unit does NOT provide community clinics.
We recommend that you get vaccinated against the flu your local pharmacy or through your healthcare provider. Most pharmacy clinics will be open and accessible to the public 7 days a week and with evening hours. Pharmacies cannot administer vaccines to persons under 2 years of age.
Contact
Contact: For media interviews, get in touch [email protected]
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