During the winter season, many people get annoying coughs and colds. The symptoms caused by influenza can include a high fever, cough, head and muscle aches for three or four days and fatigue that can drag on for weeks. For some individuals it is more than annoying as the influenza virus can have severe, even deadly, consequences. Each year between 4000 and 8000 Canadians die of complications from influenza, which can include bronchitis, pneumonia, kidney failure and heart failure.
To lower your risk of contracting and spreading influenza, wash your hands often and thoroughly. If you’re sick, stay home, and if you have to sneeze, sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hands to avoid spreading germs. The most effective defense we have against influenza the annual flu vaccination. While some people believe that the influenza vaccine can give them influenza, this is a myth and it is not possible.
It is important to get immunized annually because the influenza flu viruses can change and evolve from one year to the next. The vaccine takes about two weeks to be effective. Therefore it is best to get your influenza vaccination early rather than late. Take care of yourself this winter by being prepared and getting your influenza vaccination early.
The Public Health Agency of Canada advises Canadians to:
To prepare for a family emergency click here.
Please review any of these resources to learn more about Influenza.