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HEALTH: Advice to get flu shots due to early start to flu season, outbreaks
        (AlbertaIndex, November 14, Wednesday) --- Albertans should get their flu shots early due to this year’s early start to the flu season and reports of a number of outbreaks in some of the province’s long-term care facilities.
        The Alberta government has warned that influenza can pose a very serious health risk, especially to those with chronic health conditions like heart or lung disease and diabetes.

Thousands of Albertans are eligible to receive an influenza immunization at no charge. This includes those at risk for developing serious influenza-related complications and anyone who may transmit the virus to those at risk.

The vaccine is provided through local public health units and physicians’ offices. Influenza vaccine is also available for purchase by other Albertans who want to avoid illness during flu season.

“A flu shot is an easy way to avoid becoming sick during influenza season,” said Dave Hancock, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness. “This simple preventative measure will help us stay well this winter, and reduce the chances of unwittingly infecting others who might be seriously affected. By being immunized against influenza, Albertans will help to maintain our healthy communities.”

The spread of influenza and other viral infections can also be greatly reduced through frequent hand-washing with soap and water, and exercising proper respiratory etiquette.

“Carrying a hand sanitizing gel helps to make regular hand cleansing a habit,” added Hancock. “And it turns out our mothers’ advice may no longer be correct. Rather than covering a cough or sneeze with one’s hand, it is now considered more correct to cover the mouth with one’s sleeve.”

Immunization rates vary across the categories of people who are eligible for free vaccine. “Alberta’s seniors are well aware of their need for influenza vaccine,” said Dr Karen Grimsrud, Alberta’s Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We would like to see more people taking advantage of the vaccine, especially individuals under the age of 65 who are living with chronic health issues. Many working Albertans could be as at risk as seniors for complications such as pneumonia.

Emphasizing the importance of flu immunization for health-care workers, she said:

“National guidelines include influenza immunization as part of a health-care worker’s responsibility to provide the highest standard of care. Any health professional involved in direct patient care should receive influenza immunization annually. By doing so, they protect their patients, themselves and their families.”


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