Public Health Sudbury & Districts encourages adding the flu shot to your to-do list.

Mark your calendars! Public Health Sudbury & Districts is launching this year’s flu campaign starting Monday, November 1. As we navigate through the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, getting your flu shot early is more important than ever. The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your community during the flu season.

The influenza vaccine is readily available at many locations throughout the community including local pharmacies and health care providers’ offices. Public Health Sudbury & Districts also offers the vaccine by appointment. Please plan to get your flu shot as soon as it becomes available since it can take up to two weeks for your body to build immunity against the viruses.

“The flu shot is safe and effective and recommended for those six months and older,” said Stacey Gilbeau, Program Director with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.  “The influenza vaccine is our best defense against getting and spreading the influenza virus, helping to save lives and reduce the burden on our health care system which is very important during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Important infection prevention reminders—flu and COVID-19

• Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Practise physical distancing and wear a face covering when not possible or when required.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue. Wash your hands afterwards.
• Don’t touch your face.
• Stay at home when you’re sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and shared items.
• Get tested if you are unsure if your symptoms are from the flu or are a symptom of COVID-19.
• Get vaccinated. The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be safely administered at the same time as now recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. Most people will recover from influenza infection within one week to 10 days, but some people are at greater risk of developing severe health complications.

With COVID-19 circulating, we need to do all we can to stay healthy.  To help protect you, your family, and your community, get your influenza and COVID-19 vaccines and continue to follow public health measures to prevent spread of the flu and COVID-19 viruses. For more information about the influenza vaccine, ways to prevent getting sick, as well as how to treat mild symptoms at home, visit www.phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).