"Flu shots" are in the news again. You see posters in doctors' offices, clinics and pharmacies advising you to get your shot. Your healthcare providers advise it. There are even TV commercials from the Government of Ontario urging you to protect yourself and your family. With all the media buzz, you might get the idea that the problem is well under control. To some extent it is, but certainly not enough for you to become complacent. Now, more than ever, it's wise to pay attention to what is being said out there.
Influenza, "the flu," is a serious and contagious illness. Every winter, an average of 75,000 people are hospitalized in Canada, and between 500 and 1,500 of them die from influenza-related complications. Ninety per cent of these deaths occur in elderly patients with pre-existing cardiac disease or with chronic respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and emphysema.
Flu outbreaks take a monetary toll as well. The Canadian Coalition for Influenza Immunization estimates that during any given winter, the flu virus infects one in four working Canadians, costing the economy approximately $500 million annually.
As we approach the coming winter flu season, it's time to repeat the message: Get your flu shot. Because the problem has not gone away. In fact, the characteristics of the influenza virus change year to year. Each new season presents a slightly altered flu strain, requiring a different vaccine to counteract it.
This is why we must continue to spread the word that influenza remains a major health risk in Ontario, and we must impress upon our friends and families the importance of prevention. Much of the illness caused by influenza can be prevented or reduced by annual flu shots. To that end, this fall, for the third consecutive year, the Government of Ontario is providing free flu vaccinations to all of us.
Who is most at risk?
Those at high risk for influenza-related complications are:
people with chronic heart problems and respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and cystic fibrosis
people of any age who live in nursing homes or other chronic care facilities
people 65 years of age and older
adults and children with diabetes and other metabolic diseases, cancer, HIV, kidney disease or anemia
children and adolescents who take acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) long-term
people traveling to foreign destinations where influenza is likely to be circulating.
Who is most likely to transmit the flu to these high-risk groups?
Those who live with, work with or care for people at a higher risk of developing complications of influenza, including:
staff and volunteers of hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, seniors' residences or retirement homes
health care workers and emergency service workers including ambulance staff
support staff with direct contact with patients or clients
home care workers and volunteers
staff and volunteers of public health units
families and children of people at high risk who are unable to get the vaccine or for whom it is not effective.
The flu shot is the first line of defence
Everyone can benefit from a flu shot, but it is particularly important that those in the higher risk groups mentioned above receive protection early enough in the season to build up the immunity they need to carry them through the winter months. "Early enough" means now. The Government of Ontario's 2002-2003 flu vaccination program is underway.
Some people should not get the shot
While the risk of a reaction to the flu shot is very small, you should know that people with a serious allergy to eggs or egg products, or who have had a severe reaction to a previous dose of vaccine or one of its components, should not get the shot. Also, people who are ill with flu-like symptoms should wait until they are completely recovered before getting the flu shot. Your doctor or other healthcare professional is the best source of information on your individual situation. Call him or her now and ask about getting a flu shot.
Take influenza seriously. Get the flu shot and encourage those close to you to do the same.
For further information on the flu, or to find the location of a vaccination clinic in your area, please call 1-866-FLU-'N YOU (1-866-358-6968) (TTY 1-800-387-5559). Or visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website at www.gov.on.ca/health.