Flu season is upon us and the risk of passing the virus on to those most at risk can result in hospitalization or death.
According to Immunize Canada, children under five years of age, seniors over 65, pregnant women, aboriginal people, people who are obese, residents of nursing homes and people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, are most at risk.
While the flu causes a few days of symptoms for most people, the highly contagious respiratory disease can lead to severe complications for those more vulnerable.
“This makes influenza prevention by healthy individuals who can pass it on to those at high risk for severe complications a necessity,” Dr. Nicole Le Saux, vice-chair of Immunize Canada, said in a media release. “Healthy individuals can shed the influenza virus and transmit it before they experience any symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to get vaccinated against influenza every year.”
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all Canadians six months of age and older and people at high risk get a flu shot.
For more information, please visit immunize.ca.