5 Facts About The Flu

1. The Flu is much worse than a bad cold

Commonly known as the flu, influenza is an infection in the airways caused by the influenza virus. The flu is easily caught and spread. Influenza symptoms are far more serious than cold symptoms. It is a serious illness that can lead to pneumonia.

2. Immunization is the most effective prevention

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends the flu vaccine for all segments of the population. Vaccination reduces the seriousness of the disease should you contract it and is the only preventative measure that has been proven to reduce the rates of flu-related deaths.

3. Protecting yourself protects others

As people get vaccinated, the influenza virus has less chance to multiply and circulate. If you don’t get the flu, you cannot spread it to people around you, benefiting those who may be at risk of severe complications from influenza, such as the elderly or people with weakened immune systems.

4. For some people, immunization is especially important including:

• Anyone with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis
• Anyone with diabetes or another metabolic disease, cancer, kidney disease, a blood disorder, or a weakened immune system
• Anyone who is 65 or older
• Anyone who lives, works or volunteers in a nursing home, chronic care facility, retirement home or other health care setting
• Emergency service workers including fire, police and ambulance staff
• Anyone travelling to places where the flu virus is likely circulating
• Anyone who lives in the same household or is in contact with people at risk, such as those mentioned above
• Healthy children aged 6-23 months

5. New flu strains mean a new vaccine each year

The flu vaccines produced each year are different, created with the flu strains predicted to be the most troublesome that year. You need to receive a new flu shot or nasal spray each year to be protected against the current strains.

Get your flu shot at the pharmacy!

Many Carmi Remedy’s Rx pharmacists are certified to give you a flu shot. If you would like to know more about The Flu shot or have questions about your medications, speak with your Carmi Remedy’s Rx Pharmacist in Penticton.

I got the flu shot. Now what?

• Remain within the building for at least 15 minutes. The pharmacist needs to watch you to see how you react to the flu shot. It is most likely that you will be fine, but a very small number of people can have a reaction that our pharmacists will need to treat with a drug immediately.
• If you feel faint, short of breath, or experience chest tightness, inform the pharmacist.
• In extremely rare instances, an allergic reaction may occur. Our pharmacists are prepared to handle this.

Speak to your Carmi Remedy’s Rx pharmacist in Penticton for information about getting The Flu shot or for a comprehensive review of your current medications.

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