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Flu Season is Coming! |
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The Barrie & Community Family Health Team is committed to protecting the health of our staff, patients and community. We are encouraging ALL BCFHT health care workers and staff to roll up their sleeves and get a flu shot! |
What is Influenza (the flu)?
- Influenza is a serious, infectious, acute respiratory illness that is caused by a virus.
- The flu is spread easily from person to person.
- People of any age can get the flu and the illness usually lasts 2-7 days, sometimes longer in the elderly and in people with chronic diseases.
- Most people recover in 7-10 days, but some will have complications such as pneumonia and death.
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What you can do to stay healthy Get immunized with a flu shot annually. Wash your hands frequently using soap and water OR alcohol based hand rub or hand sanitizer. What you can do to protect others Practice good cough “etiquette” by coughing and sneezing into a tissue or into the upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands! Stay home when you are sick Get immunized with a flu shot annually |
You are encouraged to get your flu shot at ANY flu shot clinic. Here are a few options:
- Attend your local Pharmacy offering flu shot clinics
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/publichealth/flu/
NOTE: Pharmacists may only administer flu shots to Ontarians five years of age and older. Please visit your doctor or your local public health flu clinic if you have children six months to under five years old.
- Through your family physician’s office
Need more information?
- A list of common concerns and myths about the annual flu vaccine and more information can be found here:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/publichealth/flu/concerns.aspx