Even if you are a healthy person, never get sick, or recover easily from illness, getting a flu shot can prevent it from harming the vulnerable people in our lives. You can take a few extra steps to protect your family from contracting the sickness or reduce the severity of its effects.
Flu season starts in October and extends to April. What are the habits we should employ to prevent getting or spreading the flu?
- Get a shot
- Regular hand washing to prevent the transfer of germs to yourself or others
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes
Fortunately, the things you do to protect yourself will also protect others. The goal is to prevent you from getting the flu in the first place. Getting your family vaccinated is the best way to protect them. Annual flu shots are recommended from 6 months to the elderly. The sooner you get a shot (October), the better.
Certain populations are at higher risk of complications and require extra care in avoiding people who have the flu:
- Elderly
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic conditions affecting lungs, kidneys, liver, or on immune lowering medications
Your PharmaChoice pharmacist can help you access shots. In some provinces, pharmacists may perform influenza vaccinations.
