According to a press release, influenza is highly contagious and can cause serious complications for the very young, old and those with underlying health conditions. Approximately 2,000 to 8,000 people die every year across Canada from complications due to the flu and pneumonia, and 90 per cent of those who die are seniors.
Seniors can catch the flu from their family members and care providers, says medical health officer Dr. Brian O'Connor in the statement. All seniors should be vaccinated. It is also important that caregivers and anyone who lives with seniors get vaccinated so that they don't pass the flu on to them, he adds.
Young children are also among those affected by complications. For the first time in B.C., flu shots are free for all children from six months to 59 months (under five years); previously the vaccine was free for children under two years. The flu shot is also free for: people over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal people, people with chronic health conditions, or those with compromised immune systems.
Also new this year, Vancouver Coastal Health is the only health authority in B.C. to pilot FluMist, a vaccine in the form of a nasal spray. Children and youth two to 17 years old who are eligible for a free flu shot can choose the traditional vaccine with a needle or the FluMist, which is available on a first come, first served basis at physicians' offices and public health clinics.
Vancouver Coastal Health clinics are going ahead as scheduled and are not affected by Health Canada's precautionary suspension of Novartis vaccines. While Vancouver Coastal Health uses the Novartis-made Fluad and Agriflu vaccines, these are not being currently administered. Seniors, who normally receive the Fluad vaccine are advised to wait until it has been cleared for use, or alternatively they can be vaccinated with Vaxigrip, made by Sanofi Pasteur. Anyone with an allergy to thimerosal, who would normally be vaccinated with Agriflu, should wait until it has been cleared for use.
Flu viruses change from year to year, and so, every year, the vaccine is updated to include the current viruses. This year's vaccine contains three different flu strains: H1N1, H3N2, and B Yamagata lineage.
The vaccine works by developing antibodies within two weeks of getting the shot. O'Connor explains that these antibodies protect against influenza viruses circulating around the community.
Since the flu shot is inactivated virus, it can't make you sick. The most likely side effect of the flu shot is a sore arm. The flu spray, FluMist, contains weakened influenza virus and its most common side effect is a runny nose, he says.
Flu vaccinations are available at special flu clinics, doctors' offices, pharmacies, walk-in clinics and at the Vancouver Coastal Health Travel Clinic.
Upcoming North Vancouver flu clinics include:
? Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, 1: 304 p.m., John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West First St.
? Nov. 6, 11: 30 a.m.-2: 30 p.m., North Shore Neighbourhood House, 225 East Second St.
? Nov. 8, 1: 30-4 p.m., St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 1360 East 24th St.
Upcoming West Vancouver flu clinics include:
? Nov. 7, 1: 30-4 p.m., West Vancouver Seniors' Activity Centre, 695 21st St.
? Dec. 13, 1: 30-4 p.m., West Vancouver Community Centre, 2121 Marine Drive.
Info: vch.ca.
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Representatives of the B.C. Lung Association are also encouraging people to get the flu shot, particularly those in high risk groups. According to a written statement, the association and health officials suggest everyone should get the shot, but especially seniors 65 years or older, residents of care homes, children under five, people with chronic illness, pregnant women, individuals of aboriginal ancestry and people who are severely overweight or obese. Caregivers and health-care givers are also urged to get their shot.
In addition, they suggest the following to help community members stay healthy and prevent the spread of influenza:
? Ensure you and your family gets an annual flu shot.
? Wash your hands properly, and often. Twenty seconds of hand washing with warm water and soap helps remove bacteria and viruses.
? Cover up when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, raise your arm up to your face to cough or sneeze into your sleeve. If you use a tissue, dispose of it and wash your hands immediately.
? Keep shared surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and telephones clean as bacteria can live up to two days on hard surfaces.
? And, if you get sick, stay at home so that you do not spread your illness to others.
Info: bc.lung.ca.
