We are all at risk of getting and spreading the flu. In most cases, influenza will keep you home from work or school and cause some undesirable symptoms such as headaches, fevers and chills, a sore throat and nasal congestion.
However, influenza can be much more dangerous for certain groups of people. Individuals who are at a high risk of developing flu-related complications include:
- Adults who are 65 years of age and older
- Children younger than 5 years, but especially children younger than 2 years old.
- Pregnant women
- Women up to two weeks postpartum
- Individuals with chronic health problems
Our Calgary Medical Centre Offers the Flu Vaccine To Help Protect Your Family
At Signature Medical Centre, our practice provides comprehensive family care, same-day appointments, immunizations, and more. Whatever your healthcare needs, be it a flu shot or a routine checkup, we provide efficient, affordable, and quick services to keep you and your family healthy and protected.
Want to know more?
What is Influenza? Key Facts You Need to be Aware Of
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes even the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and its symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough and sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
In some cases influenza may even lead to serious health complications and death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot every year.
5 Things Every Calgary Parent Should Know About The Flu Shot
It’s a busy time for many families, with schools in full swing and the holidays quickly approaching. With so much going on, it can be easy to forget that flu season is here. To keep your family healthy, you must schedule an appointment at your local medical clinic to get vaccinated against the flu.
Here are 5 things every parent needs to know about this vaccination:
1. If Your Child Gets the Flu, The Vaccine Will Keep Them Safe
Infants and children, especially those who have certain health conditions, such as asthma or other forms of lung disease, are at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications. If your child does get the flu, the vaccination will prevent him/her from getting severely ill or developing any life-threatening complications.
2. You Cannot Get the Flu From the Flu Vaccine
One of the most common myths that make people feel concerned about getting the flu shot is that the vaccine will give them the flu - but that is simply not true! The flu vaccine is made with inactive strains of the flu virus, which are not capable of causing the illness.
So why do I feel sick after getting the flu shot?
After the vaccine, your body will recognize the flu virus as a foreign invader, which then causes your immune system to develop antibodies to attack the flu virus when exposed in the future. This natural immune response can cause you to develop a low-grade fever or overall muscle aches for 1-2 days.
3. You Should Ideally Get the Shot By End of October, But It’s Never Too Late
Delaying your family’s vaccinations could mean missing the opportunity to protect against the flu before the season hits! Because it can take 2 weeks for the vaccine to take effect in the body, it’s always best to get the shot before the end of October.
Didn’t manage? Don’t worry!
If you were unable to get the flu shot by end of October, you should still get vaccinated as soon as possible - it’s never too late!
4. Certain Individuals Can’t Get Vaccinated
As a parent, it’s very important to know who can and cannot be vaccinated. You should keep in mind that any child less than 6 months of age is too young for the flu shot. Additionally, anyone with severe or life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine should not get it.
Can You Get the Flu Shot If You Have an Egg Allergy?
Yes! The flu vaccine has a very low amount of egg protein so it’s unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. However, if you have a severe egg allergy, always talk to your doctor before getting the flu shot. You should also always get the vaccine from a medical health professional who knows how to handle an allergic reaction.
5. Even If You Were Vaccinated Last Year, You Need a Flu Shot This Year
According to the Public Health Agency, an estimated 3,500 Canadians die of the flu each year and 12,200 are hospitalized, making it one of the 10 leading causes of death in the country. The flu shot can lower your risk of hospitalization by 60%, which is why it’s so important for your whole family to get the vaccine.
I got my flu shot last year, do I need to get it again this year?
Yes! Flu viruses are always changing and so the vaccine is reviewed and updated annually so that it is effective against the current flu strains. In addition to that, the antibody levels your immune system produced from last year’s vaccine could have declined, which is why your whole family should get vaccinated annually.
Get Your Flu Shot Today At Our Calgary Medical Clinic
At our Calgary medical clinic, we offer quick and efficient medical services, including immunizations, flu shots, and STI screenings. To find out more, visit us as Signature Medical Centre 513-1851 Sirocco DR SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 4R5.
Alternatively, you can call us at 403-454-7550 or fill in our online contact form.
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