The Cumberland Wire

How easy is it to get a u shot?

- DARRELL COLE darrell.cole@saltwire.com @SaltWireNe­twork

All Nova Scotians over six months old are encouraged to get a flu shot.

The seasonal influenza vaccine is available at pharmacies, family doctors, family practice nurses, nurse practition­ers and clinics.

It can take up to two weeks for the vaccinatio­n to provide protection; the flu season is expected to arrive in late December to early January.

“... we want to limit the spread of any respirator­y illness in our communitie­s. We can protect ourselves and our loved ones from influenza safely and effectivel­y by getting our annual flu shot,” aid Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health.

In addition to the annual vaccine, it’s important to practise good hand-washing and proper coughing and sneezing etiquette to help prevent the spread of influenza.

Flu symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and often include a sudden high fever, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat.

This year, due to COVID-19 precaution­s, the process for getting the flu shot may look different. Changes could include pre-screening for illness/ exposure to COVID-19, making appointmen­ts rather than walking into a clinic, keeping physical distance whenever possible, requiring handwashin­g and mask-wearing.

Do you have a question about your community? Send it to scott.doherty@saltwire.com and it may be featured in an upcoming edition.

 ?? 123RF STOCK PHOTO ?? Seasonal in uenza vaccine is now available at most pharmacies, family doctors, family practice nurses, nurse practition­ers and clinics.
123RF STOCK PHOTO Seasonal in uenza vaccine is now available at most pharmacies, family doctors, family practice nurses, nurse practition­ers and clinics.

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