For most of us, influenza will cause a few days of fever, cough and generally feeling unwell. But for some, this highly contagious respiratory disease can lead to severe complications requiring hospitalization or even death.
“Many Canadians don’t know that healthy children under the age of five and seniors over 65, people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, pregnant women, Aboriginal people, people who are obese, and residents of nursing homes and other health care facilities are vulnerable groups that need protection from influenza,” said Dr. Shelly McNeil, chairperson of Immunize Canada.
“This makes influenza prevention by healthy individuals who can pass it on to those at high risk for severe complications a necessity,” said Dr. Le Saux, vice-chairperson of Immunize Canada. “Healthy individuals can shed the influenza virus and transmit it before they experience any symptoms. That’s why it is so important to get vaccinated against influenza every year.”
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all Canadians six months of age and older and people at high risk receive the seasonal influenza vaccine.
The best time to get vaccinated is from October through to December.
For more information, visit immunize.ca/app.