Flu shots are available as of yesterday (October 23) and you may not want to wait to be vaccinated. 

Influenza is already starting to make an appearance and AHS, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Judy MacDonald, says get on it sooner than later. "I hate to say it but influenza is already kind of lurking around especially in the Calgary area so we've had some sporadic cases and even some outbreaks. If you are waiting for something maybe not a good idea, it's out there already."

Influenza is a terrible disease. A respiratory virus which accounts for a number of hospital admissions and sometimes worse every single year; you can help prevent the disease by getting vaccinated.

This year there is a difference in the vaccine make up, states Dr. MacDonald. "Every year the influenza vaccines contain protection against three or sometimes four different types of influenza viruses. This year (with the two vaccines) there is a change to the Influenza AH1 component. That is a new one compared to last year."

Dr. MacDonald says changes to vaccines come from a global effort and surveillance centres around the world track what is going on with influenza and store the data. The World Health Organization then pulls the data together, and in February decides if changes should be made based on their predictions for the northern hemisphere.

There are very few reasons why you should say 'no' to the vaccine, shares Dr. MacDonald. "Really the only reason to not get the influenza vaccine is if you have had a previous serious allergic reaction to it or any of the components in the vaccine. So anaphylaxis is a contraindication of a reason to not get the vaccine. Everyone else, no reason not to."

Even though free flu clinics are readily available in a variety of spots including pharmacies, doctor offices, and public heath clinics, there were more than 1600 people hospitalized in Alberta last year alone. There is no nasal mist this year only injectable vaccinations.

Although symptoms of influenza can be similar to a cough and cold there are some differentiating factors:

  • Quick onset of symptoms
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscles aches and pains
  • Possible sore throat
  • Possible dry cough
  • Extreme fatigue

Dr. MacDonald, shares if you develop symptoms and you are someone of higher risk to develop influenza such as asthma, pregnant, chronic disease, over the age of 65 or a young child under 2, give your doctor a call to see if you need to head in.

Besides pharmacies offering vaccinations, Cochrane Public Health Centre is offering clinics beginning tomorrow (October 25), November 1, 8, 15, 29, and December 13 from 11am -6:45pm. As a reminder, bring your Alberta Health Care Card and child immunization record if applicable.