KENORA – The flu shot doesn’t give you the flu.
Northwestern Health Unit officials want you to know that as the regional flu shot season gets underway.
“The injected flu vaccine contains an inactivated virus that cannot give you the flu,” Laura Homer, a program specialist at the health unit, said Friday.
“It can though make you feel achy and slightly feverish,” she added.
“That is kind of a normal reaction of your immune system to the vaccine and it generally lasts only a day or two.”
The health unit – which delivers public health services to a vast region including Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout, Pickle Lake and Atikokan – is encouraging people in the region to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 this fall.
“Everyone needs to do their part to protect themselves and others, especially during respiratory illness season,” said a recent news release from the health unit.
The influenza vaccine is especially recommended for individuals with significant exposure to birds or mammals, such as livestock, poultry, slaughterhouse and processing plant workers, wildlife officers and veterinarians.
The health unit also reminds people to wash or sanitize their hands often, cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and regularly clean frequently touched surfaces.
If you develop symptoms, the health unit advises, stay home and isolate yourself from others except to seek medical care if needed.
The health unit advises that if you do get sick with influenza or COVID-19 you should avoid contact with newborns, the elderly, and anyone at high risk of severe illness until all the following apply:
- Symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours.
- You do not have a fever.
- You do not develop any new symptoms.
Flu and COVID shots are available at clinics run by the health unit and at pharmacies throughout the region. Information on locations and how to book an appointment at a vaccination clinic is available at the health unit’s website.
