Fall is a common time to think about flu prevention in Canada. Influenza, often called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms and may lead to complications for some people. An annual flu shot is an important way to reduce the chance of influenza and serious illness from it. Famcare Medical Practice and Walk-In Clinic offers immunization and vaccinations in Etobicoke.
About flu shots
Flu viruses change over time, which is why an influenza vaccine is recommended each fall. In Canada, flu vaccination is generally recommended for everyone aged six months and older, with rare exceptions. It is particularly important for people at higher risk of complications, including older adults, young children, pregnant people, people with certain chronic health conditions, and people who live with or care for those at higher risk.
A flu shot helps the immune system recognize influenza viruses. It does not cause influenza. Some people have mild, short-term effects after vaccination, such as soreness where the shot was given, tiredness, headache, or a low fever. A health professional can help answer questions about flu vaccination, allergies, past vaccine reactions, or individual health circumstances.
Getting a flu shot in the fall allows time for immune protection to develop before influenza commonly circulates more widely during the colder months. Other helpful prevention steps include washing hands, staying home when ill when possible, improving indoor ventilation, and covering coughs and sneezes.
Common signs and generally recommended self-care
Influenza symptoms often begin suddenly. Common signs include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle or body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. Not everyone with influenza has a fever.
For mild flu-like symptoms, general self-care includes resting, drinking fluids regularly, and staying home from work, school, and close contact with others when feeling unwell. A pharmacist or health professional can provide general guidance about symptom relief options that are appropriate for a person’s age, health history, and other medicines. Children should not be given aspirin for viral illnesses unless specifically directed by a health professional.
People with flu symptoms should take extra care around infants, older adults, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions.
When to see a doctor and when to seek emergency care
Contact a doctor or health professional when flu-like symptoms are severe, are getting worse, do not begin to improve, or are a concern for someone at higher risk of complications. Medical advice is also appropriate when symptoms include persistent fever, dehydration, worsening cough, or difficulty managing symptoms at home.
Seek emergency care right away for signs such as trouble breathing, severe or persistent chest pain, confusion, difficulty waking, blue or grey lips or face, seizures, severe weakness or unsteadiness, or signs of severe dehydration such as very little urination. For infants and young children, emergency assessment is needed for breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness or unresponsiveness, seizures, or signs of dehydration. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
How to contact the clinic in Etobicoke
Famcare Medical Practice and Walk-In Clinic offers immunization and vaccinations. Contact the clinic to ask about flu shots in Etobicoke and to discuss whether vaccination is appropriate for an individual’s circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Who should get a flu shot?
In Canada, influenza vaccination is generally recommended every year for everyone aged six months and older, with rare exceptions. It is especially important for people at higher risk of influenza complications and for people who may pass influenza to them.
Can the flu shot cause the flu?
No. Flu shots do not cause influenza. Some people experience mild, temporary effects such as soreness at the injection site, tiredness, headache, or a low fever.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
Colds and influenza can both cause cough, sore throat, and a runny nose. Influenza often begins more suddenly and is more likely to cause fever, chills, marked fatigue, headache, and body aches. Symptoms alone cannot always identify the cause.
When should someone with flu symptoms seek emergency care?
Emergency care is needed for warning signs such as trouble breathing, severe or persistent chest pain, confusion, difficulty waking, seizures, blue or grey lips or face, or severe dehydration. Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Ask About Flu Vaccination in Etobicoke
Famcare Medical Practice and Walk-In Clinic offers immunization and vaccinations. Contact the clinic to ask about flu shots and other vaccination questions.