With children back to school and the weather starting to cool, people are being encouraged to get their flu shots.
Medical officer of health for western Nova Scotia, Dr. Lynda Earle says influenza poses serious concerns for those at high risk.
“The big message is for folks to realize that influenza is a serious illness. That people can get quite unwell and there is something they can do to protect themselves in terms of getting vaccinated.”
Dr. Lynda Earle says influenza can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization or even death.
“It is a serious illness that lands Nova Scotians in hospital every year. When there is a vaccine that’s available to protect them we certainly encourage them to take advantage of that.”
Flu season is here! Get your flu shot, it’s free for all Nova Scotians. Learn more at https://t.co/ohPE7Ry4gG
— Health & Wellness (@nshealth) October 17, 2016
Earle says people with chronic illness, children under 5, the elderly, pregnant women and indigenous people are all at higher risk from influenza.
She says this year’s flu shots protects against 4 strains of the influenza virus and are free to all Nova Scotians.
Shots are available from your health provider as well as some pharmacies.
