Flu shots still available in area

VACCINE LOWERS RISK CONSIDERABLY

With Influenza season officially in its peak, Alberta Health Services is asking South Zone residents to remain vigilant against contracting or spreading the flu and reminding them that flu shots are still available.

“The good news is that we’ve reached our peak and we’re slowing down,” said Lizette Elumir, a medical officer of health for AHS South Zone. “The bad news, of course, is the virus continues to circulate. So we’re still encouraging people to do the things we ask every year (to reduce exposure to flu).”

Strategies for reduction include washing hands, staying home when sick, and covering mouth during respiratory symptoms.

“While we are seeing a slow down, we still recognize influenza can be quite dangerous and make people very ill,” said Elumir.

The primary way to avoid contracting or spreading flu is through a flu shot.

Everyone six months and older is eligible for the flu shot, and it is free to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Alberta.

Everyone is at risk of influenza, and anyone can get very sick and develop complications. However, the highest risk is to those who have have some types of health problems, such as heart or lung conditions, diabetes, weak immune system, morbid obesity, live in a care facility or nursing home, are 65 years or older, a child under five years old, are pregnant or are Indigenous. Anyone fitting that description should consider getting a flu shot, along with relatives and close contacts.

The vaccine lowers risk of getting the flu by about 50 per cent. And for those who do contract the flu after being vaccinated, the severity is lessened. It also stops people from passing the flu on to family and friends. A new vaccine is required every year and is based on the three or four most likely strands to cause illness that season. Protection begins two weeks following vaccination.

While many areas are seeing upticks in the numbers and severity of flu this yea, Elumir said the full picture won’t be clear in the South Zone until the season is over and numbers are processed. She said with different viruses, populations, and even severity and vulnerabilities, it can be difficult to compare regions.

“I can tell you it makes people sick every year,” she said. “It’s quite reliable that way. Whether it’s worse or not worse, it’s still keeping people sick, hospitalizing them and causing deaths, so that’s why we use the same messaging every year and urge people to be as careful and cautious as possible.” Follow @jwschnarrherald on Twitter