Seasonal Influenza - Immunization Blitz
Written By: Jeanette Humphreys
Publication Date: September 20, 2009
What is seasonal influenza?
Influenza is a highly contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Some people call having a bad cold or vomiting and diarrhea the flu, but the truth is having the real flu is much worse. Because influenza is a virus, antibiotics won’t help. In North America, influenza season usually occurs between November and April and new strains of the virus emerge each year.
What is H1N1 human swine influenza?
Pandemic influenza occurs when the virus strain changes a great deal more than the seasonal change. When this happens, none of the population has immunity to the new virus. The virus is easily spread around the world causing outbreaks in many countries.
Will the seasonal influenza vaccine protect a person from the new H1N1 pandemic strain?
No. The seasonal influenza vaccine includes 3 influenza strains that are likely to be in Canada this year. They are chosen in February each year to allow enough time for vaccine production. The new H1N1 pandemic strain was identified only in April, and a vaccine for it will be ready in the late fall. News of its availability, who will receive it, where and when will be announced once information becomes available.
How is influenza spread?
It is spread from an infected person to the nose or throat of another by coughing, sneezing, or contact with objects the infected person has touched. It is also spread by hands that have been coughed or sneezed into. Immunization and hand washing are the two most important steps in stopping the spread of the influenza virus.
What’s the difference between the common cold and influenza?
Common Cold |
Influenza |
| Slow onset of illness |
Sudden onset of illness |
| Low or no fever |
High fever |
| Mild tiredness |
Extreme tiredness |
| Severe cough and runny or stuffy nose |
Dry cough |
| No headache |
Headache |
| No achy muscles |
Achy muscles |
| No chills |
Chills |
How can I protect myself from influenza?
Influenza vaccine is the best way to be protected from influenza infection. Take steps to prevent the spread of germs. Do this by washing your hands often with soap and water, and staying away from people who are sick. Always cough or sneeze into a tissue or onto your sleeve.
Who qualifies for free influenza vaccine?
Saskatchewan Ministry of Health provides free influenza vaccine to the following high risk groups:
- Children between the ages of 6 to 23 months;
- Pregnant women;
- Individuals under the age of 65 with chronic health conditions (heart or lung disease, diabetes, cancer, renal disease, anemia or immunodeficiency conditions, children and youth, ages 6 months to 18 years who are treated for long periods with ASA);
- Residents of special care homes (long term care facilities) and personal care homes;
- Individuals 65 and over, as of March 31, 2010, regardless of health status;
- Health Region employees.
Should I have the influenza vaccine even though I don’t fit into a high risk category?
Influenza can infect anyone. If you are not vaccinated against influenza you could become infected and pass the virus along to others. By getting vaccinated, you reduce the possibility of passing it to those around you. To receive this vaccine at a cost of $25.00, call 655-4358 after October 13 to book an appointment.
Where can I get more information about influenza and clinic locations?
Visit our website at www.4flu.ca for more information about influenza as well as clinic times and locations. See the October 4 issue of the Sunday SUN for clinic times and locations or call 655-4FLU (655-4538). The influenza immunization blitz will begin October 13, 2009, and run for 3 weeks. During that time, drop-in influenza clinics will be available at various sites in the Saskatoon Health Region.
Humphreys is a public health nurse clinician for immunization with the Disease Control Department, Saskatoon Health Region - Public Health Services.
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