By meadowlakeNOW

Flu shot clinics coming to region

Oct 17, 2017 | 1:00 PM

Cold and flu season is here and a number of shot clinics are coming up.

Shots will be available in Meadow Lake, Dorintosh, Goodsoil, Loon Lake and Pierceland, as well as several other rural areas. The injected vaccine, which protects against four strains of influenza, is free of charge, and available at some physician/nurse practitioner offices.

Trina Cappelle, Public Health Nursing Clinical Supervisor with Prairie North Health Region said everyone is susceptible to the influenza virus, even those with strong immune systems.

“The vast majority of people do recover well,” she said. “But even for those who do have an uncomplicated case, they’re sick for a couple of weeks, and it’s more than just a cold. People can be incapacitated, and it can result in a lot of time off work or school. It’s not only to protect themselves, but also to protect their loved ones and vulnerable people in the community.”

Influenza is a respiratory virus, and very different than with the gastrointestinal stomach flu, which usually only last about 24 hours. It also has different symptoms of the common cold.

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“Usually the respiratory symptoms are far more pronounced with influenza, and the fever is a big [indicator] as well,” Cappelle said.

She said staff with the public health department is happy to address any individual concerns or myths surrounding the vaccination,  

“The community pharmacists are very knowledgeable as well,” she said. “Ideally people should get the vaccine as early in the season as possible for maximum protection of course. It’s safe; side effects are usually minimal and you might have a tender arm but that typically last one to two days.”

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca  

On Twitter @ReporterKath