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This year, it’s a different flu season.
S e a s o n a l  f l u     H 1 N 1  f l u
H1N1 flu virus information

Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Influenza (flu)

Why is the flu season different this year?

This fall and winter, there will be two types of flu viruses circulating – seasonal flu and H1N1. Ontario will be providing publicly-funded vaccination against both viruses.

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What is Seasonal Influenza?

Influenza (commonly known as "the flu") is a serious respiratory infection that is caused by the influenza virus. The flu is spread easily through coughing, sneezing or through touching contaminated surfaces or objects like unwashed hands, toys and eating utensils. The seasonal flu can be prevented by getting the flu vaccine every year and by practicing good hand washing.

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What is the difference between the common cold and the seasonal flu?

Colds, stomach flu and other viral infections are often confused with the seasonal flu but they are caused by viruses different from the seasonal flu virus.

Symptom

Cold

Flu

Fever

Rare

Usually high fever (102°F/39°C- 104°F/40°C), sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days

Headache

Rare

Usual, can be severe

Aches and pains

Sometimes, mild

Usual, often severe

Fatigue & weakness

Sometimes, mild

Usual, severe, may last 2-3 weeks or more

Extreme Fatigue

Unusual

Usual early onset, can be severe

Runny, stuffy nose

Common

Common

Sneezing

Common

Sometimes

Sore throat

Common

Common

Chest discomfort, coughing

Sometimes, mild to moderate

Can become severe

Complications

Unusual

Pneumonia, respiratory failure. Can be life-threatening

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Facts about the seasonal flu vaccine:

The vaccine is voluntary and available free of charge. It is safe and effective in preventing the seasonal flu. Although the vaccine contains part of the actual flu virus, the virus is dead and cannot give you the flu. The viruses that cause the seasonal flu change often, and because of this, seasonal flu vaccines are updated annually. People should be vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their community.

Annual seasonal flu vaccination will not protect you from the H1N1. Getting your annual seasonal flu vaccination and H1N1 vaccination will help keep your immune system healthy and prevent you from getting sick.

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What are the seasonal flu vaccine recommendations for children?

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care recommends that children between the ages of 6 months and 9 years of age, who have never received seasonal flu vaccine, obtain two doses of seasonal influenza vaccine given at least 4 weeks apart. Two doses are required because children may have limited exposure to the seasonal flu and therefore need two doses to develop protection. Children who have received seasonal flu vaccine in previous years need only one dose for protection.

It has been estimated that 10-40% of healthy children get the seasonal flu per year. As well, children are at higher risk for developing otitis media (middle ear infections) as a result of influenza illness. Children are a major contributor to the spread of the virus in both school and household settings. Even healthy young people can become quite ill.

Healthy children aged 6 to 23 months are at an increased risk of hospitalization related to seasonal influenza compared with healthy older children and young adults. This group is included among the recommended recipients of influenza vaccine.

Who should get the seasonal flu vaccine?

Individuals aged 6 months or older who live, work or attend school in Ontario are eligible to receive the publicly funded seasonal influenza vaccine through the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP). In the event of a temporarily limited vaccine supply, priority should be given to the high priority groups: those at high risk of developing serious complications of influenza, and those most likely to transmit the virus to the high-risk population.

The seasonal flu vaccine was offered to residents 65 years of age and older in October of this year. The H1N1 influenza vaccine was then offered to all residents, except babies less than 6 months. The H1N1 influenza campaign will continue to run into early January 2010. The third phase of this year’s Influenza plan is now underway. Doctor’s offices have now ordered the seasonal flu vaccine and are ready to administer it. All residents are encouraged to get the seasonal flu vaccine, even if already immunized with H1N1.

Recommended recipients of seasonal influenza vaccine
People at high risk of influenza-related complications  or those more likely to require hospitalization
  • Adults (including pregnant women) and children with the following chronic health conditions:
    • cardiac or pulmonary disorders (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and asthma);
    • diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases;
    • cancer, immunodeficiency, immunosuppression (due to underlying disease and/or therapy);
    • renal disease;
    • anemia or hemoglobinopathy;
    • conditions that compromise the management of respiratory secretions and are associated with an increased risk of aspiration; or
    • children and adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid.
  • People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.
  • People ≥65 years of age.
  • Healthy children 6 to 23 months of age.
  • Healthy pregnant women; (the risk of influenza-related hospitalization increases with length of gestation, i.e., it is higher in the third than in the second trimester).
People capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk
  • Health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who, through their activities, are capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza complications.
  • Household contacts (adults and children) of individuals at high risk of influenza-related complications (whether or not the individual at high risk has been immunized):
    • household contacts of individuals at high risk, as listed in the section above;
    • household contacts of infants <6 months of age who are at high risk of complications from influenza but for whom influenza vaccine is not approved; and
    • members of a household expecting a newborn during the influenza season.
  • Those providing regular child care to children <24 months of age, whether in or out of the home.
  • Those who provide services within closed or relatively closed settings to persons at high risk (e.g., crew on a ship).
Others
  • People who provide essential community services.
  • People in direct contact during culling operations with poultry infected with avian influenza.

Note: Healthy persons aged 2 to 64 years without contraindication are also encouraged to receive influenza vaccine even if they are not in one of the aforementioned priority groups.

Taken from the NACI Statement for Influenza Vaccination for the 2009-2010 Season

How well does the seasonal vaccine protect against the seasonal flu?

Protection from the vaccine develops in two weeks, and may last up to one year. The seasonal flu vaccine is about 70% to 90% effective in preventing seasonal influenza illness in healthy adults and children. In elderly people, the vaccine can prevent hospitalization for pneumonia in about 6 out of 10 people. Some people who receive the vaccine may still get the flu although the symptoms are usually milder. The seasonal flu vaccine does not prevent the common cold.

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Where do I get the seasonal Influenza vaccine?

Peel Public Health will be offering free seasonal influenza immunization clinics to all Peel residents. For more information about Peel Public Health clinics, please call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 (Caledon residents can call free of charge at 905-584-2216).

The seasonal Influenza vaccine is also available from your family doctor. Additionally, seasonal influenza clinics will be held at various participating workplaces. Check with your employer to find out if a seasonal flu clinic is being planned for your workplace.

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Influenza Facts and Myths

Myth

Fact


"The seasonal flu vaccine can give me the flu"

The seasonal influenza vaccine cannot give you the flu. The vaccine contains part of the actual influenza virus, but the virus is dead and cannot give you the flu. Many people confuse influenza with the common cold or other respiratory infections. The vaccine will only protect people from the seasonal influenza virus.


"The seasonal flu vaccine doesn't work"

The seasonal flu vaccine is safe and is 70-90% effective in preventing seasonal influenza illness in healthy adults and children. Protection from the vaccine develops in approximately two weeks, and may last up to one year. People who get sick after getting the flu vaccine often have a cold which is caused by a virus different from the seasonal influenza virus. The vaccine does not protect against other viruses.


"Side effects of the seasonal flu shot are worse than getting the flu"

Most people have few or no side effects from the seasonal flu vaccine. Side effects may include soreness, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given in the arm. Occasionally, fever or muscle aches may occur and last up to 2 days. Other minor side effects can include redness of the eyes with or without discharge and cough. Although serious allergic reactions can occur, they are very rare.


"I don't get the flu"

Even healthy individuals can benefit from the seasonal flu vaccine. Influenza is spread easily through coughing and sneezing or through touching contaminated surfaces or objects like unwashed hands, toys and eating utensils. Seasonal influenza can be prevented by getting the flu vaccine every year and by practicing good hand washing.


"The flu is not a serious illness"

Although some symptoms of the flu are cold-like, other symptoms such as: headache, chills, dry cough, body aches, and fever are far more serious. Full recovery from the flu may take up to 6 weeks. The flu may also lead to severe and life-threatening complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure.


"I don't need another shot. I have already been vaccinated."

A seasonal flu shot is needed every year. There are many different types of flu virus and the viruses that cause the seasonal flu can change often. Because of this, the seasonal flu vaccine is updated each year to provide protection for the coming flu season.


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Is it OK for pregnant women to get the seasonal flu shot?

Yes, vaccination is the best way for pregnant women to prevent getting the flu. If you are/suspect you are pregnant and are unsure about getting vaccinated you should consult with your health care provider.

The 2009-2010 NACI (National Advisory Committee on Immunization) recommends the inclusion of all pregnant women among the recommended recipients for seasonal influenza vaccine. Ongoing research has not identified concern related to serious reactions following immunization in pregnant women.

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What happens at a Peel Public Health Seasonal Flu clinic?

  • Immunization with the seasonal influenza vaccine is voluntary
  • All individuals receiving the seasonal vaccine will be provided with verbal and/or written information about the risks/benefits of the vaccine along with any contraindications and precautions.
  • The consent for immunization can be signed by individuals aged 14 years and over. For individuals under the age of 14 years, consent must be signed by a parent/legal guardian.
  • A nurse will determine an individual's capacity to give informed consent when needed.
  • Screening questions specific to the seasonal flu vaccine will be asked for each client before the nurse will proceed with immunization. Generally, each person will be screened for the following:
    • Allergies to any component of the flu vaccine
    • History of a reaction to any vaccine
    • Illness
    • Pregnancy
    • Medical problems/Medications

Important information about receiving a seasonal flu shot at a Peel Public Health Clinic:

  • Please remain at the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving your influenza injection
  • Persons who are acutely ill or have a fever should wait until they recover before getting the seasonal influenza vaccine
  • Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Individuals 14 years of age and older may sign their own consent
  • A short sleeved or loose shirt should be worn

The following individuals will not be immunized at a Peel Public Health Clinic and will be referred to their family doctor for possible immunization:

  • Children under the age of one year (12 months)
  • Women who are or may be pregnant
  • Individuals who have a seizure disorder that may be considered new or evolving or is currently under investigation for seizures
  • Persons with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
  • Persons with a history of Oculo-Respiratory Syndrome
  • Persons with allergy to eggs

Contact your family doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you experience any of these symptoms in the next 2 weeks following immunization:

  • High fever or hives
  • Swelling of the mouth, throat, tongue or face
  • Difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing
  • Continued or increasing weakness
  • Fast heart beat, dizziness or convulsions
  • Any other unusual condition or serious reaction

Symptoms should also be reported to the Peel Public Health Department as soon as possible.

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What are other ways to prevent getting the flu?

Basic infection prevention measures remain effective ways to prevent getting the flu:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands after that.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If your hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It needs to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if you get sick.
  • See your local health care provider or call TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000 if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

What is pandemic flu?

Pandemic occurs when a disease spreads easily and rapidly throughout the world.

Pandemic influenza is a contagious respiratory (breathing) illness that occurs when a new strain of flu (influenza) virus appears and spreads quickly around the world.

Visit Peel Public Health’s Pandemic Planning and Response and/or H1N1 sites for information about pandemic influenza.

 

 

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Revised: Friday January 15 2010

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