influenza

How influenza spreads (video)

Keep your child safe - get all of their shots on time!

HealthLinkBC's H1N1 Influenza Virus (Human Swine Influenza) healthfile

The influenza vaccine protects against viruses that cause influenza - often called the 'flu'
It does not protect against other viruses or bacteria that may cause colds or stomach illnesses (the stomach 'flu')
The virus changes (mutates) every year so that a new vaccine must be administered annually
You cannot get influenza from a flu shot
The best way to protect against influenza is to get immunized every year.
For more information about the vaccine, who should get it, the benefits and possible reactions, click on any one of the links below to go to the specific BC HealthFile.

Who is eligible to receive a free Influenza shot?

This year, due to the H1N1 influenza virus pandemic, seasonal influenza vaccine will be offered in several phases.
Influenza vaccine for the 2009-10 season is now available for BC seniors. Click on the Flu Clinic locator to find a clinic near you, or call your immunization service provider.
Those younger than 65 should wait to get their seasonal vaccine at the same time as the A/H1N1 influenza pandemic vaccine.
The A/H1N1 influenza vaccine will be available throughout BC by mid-November

As usual, the seasonal influenza vaccine will be offered for free to these groups:

Seniors 65 years and older
Residents of any age living in residential care, assisted living or other group facilities
Children 6-23 months of age
Pregnant women who will be in their third trimester during the influenza season
Children and teenagers taking Aspirin or ASA for long periods of time
Children and adults with certain medical conditions
For more details see the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (12d) HealthFile.

Influenza symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, extreme tiredness, and cough
Symptoms can begin about one to four days, or an average of two days, after a person is first exposed to the influenza virus. Fever and other symptoms can usually last 7 to 10 days, with the cough and weakness lasting up to two more weeks
You can spread the influenza virus to others before you even show any symptoms
Each year in BC, hundreds of people die from influenza or complications from influenza, such as pneumonia
Influenza in people 65 years of age and older, and in other high risk groups, can lead to more serious health concerns
Influenza season is usually from November to April
For more information about influenza go to: Facts About the Flu (12b)
More vaccine preventable disease images
More influenza stories with Faces of Influenza.

Photos courtesy of the Centers fro Disease Control and Prevention