Autumn has arrived and with it another season is soon to follow… The flu season.  In Ontario the flu season lasts from November to April with most cases occurring between December and March. Getting the shot before the before the peak of the season gives the body a chance to build up immunity to, or protection from, the virus. Although you can get a flu shot well into flu season, it’s best to try to get it earlier rather than later. The flu shot is free of charge for people who live, work or study in Ontario.

What is the flu shot? It is an annual immunization against three strains of the influenza (flu) viruses expected to circulate for that year. Flu shots contain inactive (dead) flu viruses that prompt your body to make antibodies that fight those viruses. Vaccinations help your body build natural immunities by triggering a natural response from your immune system.

A common myth about the flu shot is that it can actually cause the flu. But the flu shot is made from dead influenza viruses, which means that it’s impossible to catch the flu by receiving it.

Like any medicines there are potential risks but serious side effects are extremely rare with the flu shot. Most people have no side effects while some may experience mild effects at the injection area including soreness, redness and swelling. Life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare! If they occur they usually happen shortly after receiving the vaccine. It is good practice to stay at clinic for 20min after the shot, just as a precaution.

Who should get it? The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age and is strongly encouraged for the following people:

• people with weakened immune systems
• young children
• the elderly
• pregnant women
• family members and those who provide care to people in the groups listed above should also get the flu shot to protect themselves and those around them.

Where to get the flu shot? Ontarians can get their free flu shot from their physicians and through community flu clinics offered across the province by public health units, community health centres, community care access centres, hospitals, long-term care homes, pharmacy-based clinics and workplace clinics.

If you live or work in downtown Toronto you can get your flu shot at bphealth clinic on 345 Adelaide Street West (3rd Floor), Monday to Friday from 10-6pm on a walk-in and appointment basis.

Other precautions that can help protect you and your family from the flu include:

• avoiding large crowds whenever possible
• practicing good hand washing
• never picking up used tissues
• never sharing cups and eating utensils
• staying home from work or school when someone is sick with the flu
• covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

More information on the flu shot is available from the Ontario Ministry of Health website:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/publichealth/flu/about_flu_shot.aspx

Download flu fact sheet here.