Flu Vaccination Campaign Begins

The flu shot is your best defence against influenza.

Minister of Health Promotion and Protection Barry Barnet and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Strang encouraged people to get a flu shot during the campaign launch today, Oct. 8.

"Each fall, I believe it is my job to remind Nova Scotians to get their flu shot", said Mr. Barnet. "Getting your flu shot is one way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza. It also helps create healthier communities across the province."

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection provides free flu vaccines at doctors' offices and community clinics across Nova Scotia to the following high risk groups:

• pregnant women
• people older than 65
• adults and children with chronic heart and lung problems and other chronic diseases
• residents of long-term care facilities
• people living with, or caring for, individuals in the high risks groups listed above
• infants age six months to 23 months
• health-care workers and students in health-care educational programs
• first responders such as police officers, firefighters and emergency health services

"Influenza has a significant impact on our population, and on our health-care system. But this can be prevented," said Dr. Strang. "The flu shot is very important. It is a simple, safe and effective way to protect yourself and your family against the influenza virus."

Along with the flu shot, frequent hand-washing and covering noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing also help prevent the spread of influenza and many other infections.

Because health-care providers are often in frequent contact with those at risk of contracting the flu, it is important for them to get flu shots as well. The Department of Health Promotion and Protection is working closely with health partners to encourage them to get a flu shot.

While individuals often mistake the flu for other respiratory or stomach illnesses, its most common symptoms usually include a sudden high fever, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat.

The typical flu season in Nova Scotia runs from November to April, sending more than 20,000 people to their doctor. About 2,500 people are admitted to hospital during a normal flu season. It is recommend that people with flu symptoms stay at home and minimize close contact with others.

For more information on the flu, or to find the flu vaccine clinic closest to you, visit www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/influenza.asp .