The flu (as it is commonly called) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It is common around the world, but in Canada the flu season runs from November to April. Most people affected by the flu virus will miss several days at work, but for some people it can have more serious consequences. The elderly, infants, people with certain medical conditions, such as, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV or kidney disease are at more risk than the average person.

Many people are reluctant to get their flu vaccination every year. An understanding of the flu vaccination can help people overcome their fears and help to prevent wide spread community outbreaks of this viral illness.

Myth: Influenza is not a serious illness.
Fact: There are serious complications from having influenza such as pneumonia or even death.

Myth: The flu vaccine can give you the flu.
Fact: It is not possible to get the flu from the vaccination. The injection is not “live” so cannot cause infection.

Myth: The vaccine causes severe reactions.
Fact: The vaccination is very safe. Some experience redness and a sore spot where the injection was given.

Myth: The vaccine does not always work, because sometimes you still get the flu.
Fact: Each vaccine is developed to contain at 3 strains of flu virus that are most likely to cause an outbreak during the winter. The influenza strains change yearly and medical scientists spend a great deal of time calculating which strains will be most likely to occur.

Myth: You have never had the flu so why do you need the vaccination.
Fact: No one is immune from the influenza virus. Each vaccination only provides coverage for about 6 months.

The best prevention is getting your flu vaccine when it becomes available at your health care provider’s office in late October. Multiple flu vaccine clinics are held in the community to ensure as many people as possible can get their vaccination. Do your part to stay healthy, get the flu vaccine! Protect yourself, protect your loved ones, help protect your community from a flu outbreak!!