Influenza

Ask the Pharmacist
By Sunny Deol, Pharmacist

What is the flu and how can it be prevented?

The flu or influenza is a viral infection of the upper airway caused by the influenza virus.

Typical flu symptoms can include sudden fever lasting up to 7 to 10 days, severe aches and pains, sore throat, coughing and extreme fatigue lasting several weeks.

Flu spreads easily as an infected person may be contagious for up to 5 days before displaying symptoms or feeling sick. The flu may put you at a higher risk of getting other infections such as pneumonia. 

Fortunately, frequent hand washing and getting an influenza vaccine can greatly reduce your risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others.

What is the influenza vaccine and can it make me sick?

The influenza vaccine is available in B.C in two forms: inactivated or live attenuated.

The inactivated influenza vaccine, commonly referred to as the flu shot, is a killed influenza virus administered by injection. Common reactions include soreness, redness and mild swelling at the administration site. Some may also experience headache or fever. 

The live attenuated vaccine is a weakened influenza virus administered as a nasal spray. Common reactions include nasal congestion, sore throat and fever.

Neither vaccine can give you the flu. Symptoms from the vaccination are mild and typically resolve in 1 or 2 days.

I am healthy and rarely get sick. Why should I get the flu shot?

Although you rarely get sick you may still spread the virus.  Getting your flu shot will help to protect yourself and others by limiting the spread of the virus, especially to high risk individuals.

Seniors, children, pregnant women, residents of care facilities and people with chronic health conditions are particularly at high risk of complications from the flu.

If you are a caregiver to one of these high-risk groups, it is strongly recommended that you receive your flu shot annually.

Can I still get the flu shot if I am pregnant or nursing?

Pregnancy carries a higher risk of influenza related complications, therefore a flu shot is recommended during pregnancy. The inactivated flu vaccine is considered safe during any stage of pregnancy and will help to protect both the mother and the unborn child.

It is equally important for a nursing mother to receive her flu shot as the resulting antibodies will not only afford her protection, but also her nursing infant.