Who should get flu shots?

These people should get a flu shot every year:

• adults and children with serious health problems, and the people who live with them
• seniors (people 65 or over)
• health care workers
• children 6 months to 23 months and their families

The flu shot is free in Alberta for these 4 groups.

Can other people get a flu shot? Yes. But they might have to pay a small fee.

Where to get flu shots

• at public health centres — Call to make an appointment. Also watch for flu clinics in the fall.
• at many doctors’ offices — Call to make an appointment.
• at some workplaces and pharmacies.

You can get information about flu shots from Health Link Alberta.

Did you know? The flu shot does not give people the flu. Some people have reactions to the flu shot. For example, their arm gets sore. The flu shot does not protect people from colds.

2. Wash your hands

The flu virus can live on your hands for 5 minutes. It can live on doorknobs for 1 to 2 days!

Help protect yourself and other people by washing your hands often. Teach young children to wash their hands too.

When to wash your hands

• before you eat or serve food
• before you brush your teeth
• after you are near a person with the flu
• after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose

What to use

• Use regular hand soap and water.
  or
• Use hand cleanser or sanitizer that has alcohol in it.

 

How to wash your hands

1. Wet your hands with warm, running water.
	2. Rub on regular soap. Lather well.
3. Rub your hands together for about 15 seconds. Rub all parts of your hands and wrists.
	4. Rinse well under warm, running water.
5. Dry your hands with a clean towel.

3. Cover your cough

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the garbage.
	Cough into your sleeve if you don’t have a tissue. Don’t cough into your hand.

4. Stay well

Exercise! It helps your body fight flu viruses. Try to walk for 30 minutes most days.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Try not to smoke.
• Eat 5 to 10 servings of fruit and vegetables every day.
• Older adults can take a multivitamin.

 

5. Other things to do

• Stay away from crowds when flu season hits your area.
• If someone in your home gets the flu, protect other family members.
• Keep the sick person’s personal things away from other people. Clean areas around the sick person often. You can use dish soap and water.

     

• Have family members stay at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from the sick person.

6. Plan ahead

Be prepared. What will you need if you or someone in your family gets the flu?

• a thermometer
• medicine for a fever, throat lozenges
• tissues

  

Check the expiry dates on your medicine. Don’t use medicine after its expiry date.

Exp AU 09

Do you take care of another person? Who can take care of that person if you get the flu?