You can be responsible for spreading influenza and not even know it. So it's a good idea to get your flu shot, according to an official from Alberta Health Services (AHS).
“Some people think that they don't need the vaccine because they don't get sick, but some people can get influenza without symptoms and they can also transmit it even if they don't have symptoms,” said Dr. Digby Horne, a medical officer for the AHS central health zone.
“You may be shedding some virus. You may have some immunity but nonetheless you can transmit it.”
Each year, as much as a quarter of the population will be infected with the flu so the vaccine is recommended for all, especially those at risk for complications resulting from the illness, including the elderly, people living in long-term care, supportive living and assisted living, Dr. Horne said.
The vaccine, Dr. Horne said, is 60 per cent effective in preventing lab-confirmed influenza in young people with healthy immune systems. The efficacy is about 30 per cent in the elderly.
AHS is holding a few flu shot clinics in the local area.
On Nov. 14, one will be held at the Olds College Alumni Centre from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
At the same location, another will take place on Dec. 2 from 3 to 7 p.m.
A clinic will be held at the Bowden Lion's Hall on Nov. 19 from 1 to 7 p.m.
For more information, contact the Olds Campus Community Health Centre at 403-559-2150
