Nova Scotians urged to get flu shot
It’s almost flu season again. And it’s time to take your best shot at combating it, according to Nova Scotia’s chief medical health officer.
“Influenza can have serious complications for many people, including the elderly, children under five years of age and those with chronic health conditions,” Dr. Robert Strang said in a news release intended to encourage Nova Scotians of all ages to get the annual vaccine.
“Vaccination is a simple, safe and effective way to prevent getting and spreading the virus.”
The vaccine is now available from most pharmacists, family doctors, family practice nurses and nurse practitioners. Many workplaces also provide vaccination clinics. Families with children under the age of five can arrange their vaccination through the local public health office.
The flu vaccine is free for all
Nova Scotians.
“Global trends show that the H3N2 virus is likely to be part of Nova Scotia’s flu season, a strain
of influenza that can be particularly severe in the elderly,” Strang said. “It’s important to get your vaccine, especially if you are at higher risk for complications.”
The province will provide the quadrivalent vaccine that contains two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains.
It can take several weeks to build up full immunity against the influenza virus, so Nova Scotians are encouraged to get the vaccine early.
Nova Scotians can take other precautions aside from the vaccine to fend off the flu. Proper handwashing and covering noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing are also important to prevent the spread of influenza and many other infections.
People with influenza symptoms should stay home and minimize close contact with others.
Flu symptoms usually include a sudden high fever, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, runny and stuffy noses, sneezing and sore throat.
Influenza can lead to more serious and even life-threatening illnesses that include pneumonia.