Preparing for Flu Season

As leaves change colour, days get shorter, and weather cools down, the first cases of influenza - the flu -are reported in British Columbia. Flu season runs October to May bringing symptoms including headache, body ache, chills, fatigue, coughing, congestion, nausea and possible fever.  For most, the flu is annoying, miserable, and inconvenient. For seniors, young children, persons with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions there can be serious consequences.

Chair of Doctors of BC’s Council on Health Promotion Dr Ian Gillespie notes, “Doctors and all health professionals know the importance of getting an annual influenza vaccination to protect our own health, and the health of those we come into contact with. Together we can lead by example to encourage immunization.  This flu season let’s everyone - health care professionals and patients alike – get our flu shot early.”

The flu can be spread before you even know you are unwell.  Influenza has an incubation period of 1 to 7 days meaning you may be contagious for one week before showing symptoms. Coughing, sneezing, and face-to-face contact spreads the virus and without proper hygiene you risk infection.

Here are some easy prevention tips:

Annual vaccination

Vaccinations build antibodies to fight off different viral strains. It’s in everyone’s best interest to get an annual flu shot, especially those with compromised immune systems.

Frequent hand-washing

Wash your hands with soap and water to reduce the risk of catching influenza and other infections.

Practice good respiratory hygiene

Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve rather than hands while coughing and sneezing.

Stay home when you’re sick

If you have a fever and/or respiratory infection… go home. The early stages of influenza are most infectious.

Where can you get your flu shot?

Immunize BC has posted a list of clinics offering the flu shot.  And HealthLinkBC has useful information on flu prevention and this year’s vaccine.