Be flu ready
Prince Edward Island offers free flu shots for the first time
There a lot of myths on P.E.I about the flu vaccine, says a Charlottetown pharmacist.
Ryan Coffin says many people don’t want to get the vaccine because they think they will get sick.
“It is an inactive vaccine so that you don’t get sick from the vaccine itself.”
For some people the flu is nothing more than a nuisance. The symptoms usually go away in seven to 10 days. But each year an estimated 3,500 deaths are associated with the flu and 10,000 people are hospitalized.
“Even though the highest percentage of people are healthy and can just get through it, there are a lot of people who are high risk,” Coffin said.
High-risk cases are those people old than 65, children between six and 23 months in age, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women. Anyone who’s around these people should also get a flu shot.
It’s why, for the first time on the Island, people with a P.E.I. health card will have access to free flu shots by going to their doctor, pharmacist or a flu vaccination clinic.
“Ever since pharmacies have been doing them across the provinces and territories, they’ve noticed an increase in the uptake of vaccinations,” Coffin said.
The West Royalty Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist said there’s more people can do to prepare for flu season. That includes being physically active, maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle and practicing good hygiene.
“But, the biggest thing for the flu season is getting vaccinated because 70-90 per cent of cases can be avoided through the vaccination,” he said.
Those with flu-like symptoms and a temperature higher than 37.7 C, should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours.
A list of flu vaccination clinic is available at https:// www.princeedwardisland. ca/en/information/healthpei/flu-vaccination-clinics. Appointments are not required.