A miserable time of year
Flu shot clinic began this week, with expected season to stretch from October to April
Candace Thomson
Northern News Services
Published Friday, October 25, 2013
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
'Tis the season for sniffles, coughs and chills.
That's right, flu season is upon the territory, stretching from October to April, according to the Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) website.
Carl McInnes gets his flu shot from Allyson Leduc, a nurse at Stanton Territorial Hospital and with Public Health at the Baker Center on Tuesday. - Candace Thomson/NNSL photo
Where to get your flu shot
- Nov. 2: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Co-Op
- Nov. 4: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Northern United Place
- Nov. 5: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Northern United Place
- Nov. 9: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Co-Op
- Nov. 26: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Yellowknife Primary Care Centre
- Nov. 27: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge
Source: getyourflushot.ca |
In an effort to quell the coming outbreak, HSS opened its flu shot clinics this week, starting with a seniors-only session at the Baker Center on Tuesday.
Carl McInnes was at the centre getting his flu shot, something he says he does each and every year.
"I get it because I'm getting a little older, and it's important for seniors to get their shot because they're at higher risk," McInnes said.
People at the highest risk of getting the virus are children between the ages of six months and five years, pregnant women, seniors, people who are extremely overweight, and those with chronic medical conditions or living with people who have them, according to the HSS website.
Those who are at highest risk of spreading the virus to others include health care workers, childcare providers, or anyone living with people who are at risk. All of these people are encouraged to get the flu shot, but Dr. Andre Corriveau, the NWT's chief public health officer for Yellowknife, said he would like to see everyone getting their shots.
"In terms of protection, we want people to get (the shots) before the flu comes," Corriveau said.
"Staying healthy and washing your hands often helps, of course, but the shot is a very important component in protection."
Corriveau acknowledged that some people don't get the shot because they feel it makes them sick, but he said that is false.
"You can't get sick from the flu shot itself," he said. "From day to day, there's a lot of viruses that come around that look like the flu and they're fairly prevalent, so there's a chance you'll get the flu shot during a week when you've already been exposed to one of these other viruses."
People who are at the greatest risk of catching the flu and having severe consequences, such as the elderly, are the ones who benefit most from the flu shot, but Corriveau said it's important for everyone to get it so it doesn't spread to those who are vulnerable.
"The vaccine does provide protection, but as you get older, the immune system isn't as strong and the protection of the flu shot is not as complete," he said. "If the people around (those at risk) are immunized, it adds to their protection."
Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, chills, aches and tiredness.
