The return of the flu season

DURHAM -- It's time to roll up your sleeve and fight back against the flu. Durham Region Public Health has kicked off this year's annual flu shot clinics.

"Either get a flu shot or get the flu, it's one or the other," said Paula Morey as she waited to get her shot at the Oshawa Centre on Monday.

The flu shot is free at public health clinics.

And public health officials are making a concerted effort to dispel myths. Have you heard that getting the flu shot immediately infects you with the virus? Have you heard that if you already got the flu shot last year, no sweat, you don't need it again? Well, it's not true.

"The reality is the influenza vaccine is not a live virus vaccine; therefore, it cannot give you the flu," Dr. Robert Kyle, the Durham Region Medical Officer of Health said in a news release.

"You should receive the vaccine every year to provide protection against the different types of flu strains that could circulate each season," he said.

There are 21 free walk-in community clinic locations throughout Durham Region open until Jan. 5, 2009.

So far, in just two days of clinics more than 1,300 people were vaccinated.

Those at high-risk for illness: young children, the elderly and pregnant women are encouraged to get the flu shot.

"It is especially important for households with a newborn or those expecting a new baby during the influenza season . . . The influenza vaccine is also safe and highly recommended for pregnant women at any stage during pregnancy to help protect both mother and baby," Dr. Kyle said.

For information about clinic hours, the schedule is available under related links next to this article. Or you can call the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729.

 

-- with files from Stefanie Swinson