|
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
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.
Top of Page
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.
Top of Page
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 |
Top of Page
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.
Top of Page
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).
|
- 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.
Top of Page
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.
Top of Page
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. |
|
Top of Page
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.
Top of Page
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.
Top of Page
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.
|
