Eastern Health - Influenza: What You Need to Know

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Influenza: What You Need to Know

Influenza, also known as the "flu", is a common and highly contagious, respiratory disease. It is caused by a virus and is easily caught and spread.

Symptoms of the flu typically include:

Headache
Chills
Rapid onset of cough, fever, body aches and pains

While most people recover fully from the flu, it may lead to more severe and life-threatening complications such as pneumonia or even death.

What is influenza (“the flu”)?

The influenza virus, commonly known as “the flu”, is an infection of the airways caused by the influenza virus.

What can the flu do to you?

The flu can make people very sick. Each year, hundreds of Canadian’s die from the flu, and thousands are hospitalized. The flu can worsen chronic medical conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, and can lead to illnesses like pneumonia.

Flu symptoms may include headache, chills, rapid onset of cough, high fever, and body aches and pains that could last for over a week.

How does the flu spread?

The flu can be transmitted directly or indirectly, meaning individuals can contract the flu from an infected person (coughing or sneezing) or from touching contaminated hands, surfaces, and objects.

Who needs the flu shot? Should I get it more than once in my life?

Everyone above the age of six months should get the flu shot annually, particularly those who are considered high-risk, even if they’ve gotten it in a previous year. The flu virus changes every year, which means the vaccine does too.

Children between six months and nine years of age who are receiving the immunization for the first time will require two doses, at least four weeks apart.

Who is considered high-risk?

All pregnant women.
Adults and children with chronic health conditions.
People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.
People over 65 years of age.
All children 6 to 59 months of age.
Indigenous and Aboriginal Peoples.
People who provide essential community services.
Poultry workers.
People who regularly interact or work with those listed above, including health and child care workers.

Do I need the flu shot if I am healthy/have never had the flu?

Yes! Healthy people can get the flu too – even if they’ve never had it before. They can also pass the flu virus on to high-risk individuals without ever knowing.

Does the flu shot work?

Yes! The flu shot is the most effective way of protecting yourself and others from influenza. If you have gotten the flu shot and still contract the flu, symptoms will be mild.

Will the flu shot give me the flu?

No! The flu shot does not carry live viruses and cannot give you the flu.

Some people may experience minor symptoms including a sore arm and/or muscle aches, but these should go away after a day or two.

When and where can I get the flu shot?

Eastern Health will begin mass immunization clinics on October 21, 2019. For clinic schedules, please visit www.easternhealth.ca/fluclinics or call the flu clinic line:

709-752-7850 (St. John’s and surrounding areas)

1-877-925-2100 (toll-free outside St. John's)

Are there any side effects?

The flu shot is safe, and most people have little to no reaction to it. Some people may experience a sore arm or mild side effects including headache, fever, and chills. Side effects, if any, last for one to two days. Severe side effects are very rare.

How can I avoid getting the flu?

The flu shot is the most effective way to avoid getting the flu.

In addition, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and keep common surface areas (ex. door handles) clean.

If you feel ill, contain your illness by staying home.

Isn’t the flu just a bad cold?

No! The flu is much more severe and is the result of a different virus. The flu can also lead to more severe illnesses like pneumonia.

Flu symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and a stuffy nose, and can last for over a week. The flu can result in hospitalization and even death.

Can I still get the flu shot if I am allergic to eggs?

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has determined that the flu vaccine is safe for individuals with egg allergies.

Learn more

Protect your family from the flu