Flu season is underway in the province and Manitoba Health reminds people who have not yet received their annual flu shot that there is still time for the vaccine to protect the individuals and the people for whom they care.
This year, the flu vaccine is available at no charge to all Manitobans, not just those in high-risk groups.
An annual flu shot is especially important for Manitobans at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts. They include:
• seniors aged 65 years or older,
• residents of personal-care homes and long-term care facilities,
• children aged six months to four years of age,
• those with chronic illnesses,
• pregnant woman,
• health-care workers and first responders;
• individuals of Aboriginal ancestry; and
• people who are severely overweight or obese.
Influenza is more severe than a cold. Contracting influenza can result in severe complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization or even death. Every year, it’s estimated that between 4,000 and 8,000 Canadians, mostly seniors, die from complications relating to the flu but not the flu itself.
Influenza is generally spread from person to person by sneezing, coughing and other direct physical contact. Symptoms may include fever and chills, cough, headaches, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat and exhaustion.
More information about flu shots and influenza symptoms is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/
