Influenza is an infection of the lungs and airways caused by a virus. Various strains of influenza virus circulate throughout the world each year. In North America, influenza usually affects people between November an April. Outbreaks tend to spread rapidly in institutions, schools and workplaces.
As with many other viral illnesses, there is no cure for influenza at the present time. While influenza can be mild in some people, in others it can be very serious - contributing to the development of serious bacterial infections, such as pneumonia. Influenza can even result in death in elderly people or people weakened by other medical conditions.
One of the best ways to prevent influenza is through immunization. Because the virus is always changing, influenza vaccine is different every year, making it important to be immunized every year. Influenza vaccine is recommended for anyone who wants protection from influenza; however, the vaccine is provided free of charge to only those who have a high risk of complications of influenza.
For information about influenza and how to get the vaccine call:
Health Link Alberta
Edmonton, call 408-LINK (5465)
Calgary, call 943-LINK (5464)
Outside Edmonton and Calgary local calling areas
call toll-free 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
There are other important ways to protect yourself against influenza. The influenza Self-Care Strategy provides valuable information about:
Beyond the slight changes in the influenza virus each year, three to four times each century the influenza virus changes in a major way. People will not have any protection against this strain of the virus and it will spread rapidly around the world. This global epidemic, called a pandemic, can cause serious illness and death. Scientists say a pandemic may come at any time. The influenza Self-Care Strategy was developed to help people care for themselves during the yearly influenza season and to help them prepare to lessen the effect of a pandemic.
For more information
Public Health Agency of Canada
