Flu symptoms come on quickly and include:

• Headache (can be severe) 
• High fever which can least 3-4 days
• General aches and pains (often severe)
• Fatigue which can last 2-3 weeks or more
• Runny, stuffy nose 
• Sore throat 
• Chest discomfort and coughing, which can become severe
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur, especially in children 

Those most at risk for complications of influenza include the very young, those over 65 years of age, children taking daily ASA or aspirin, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, cancer, immunosupressions, kidney disease, and anemia.
   

Vaccination

 
The best way to avoid the flu is to practice frequent hand-washing and to get an annual “flu shot” in the autumn.  After vaccination, it takes approximately 2 weeks for your body to develop protection against the flu.  The flu vaccination is 70-90% effective at protecting against influenza so you may still get the flu even with a flu shot, but the disease will be much less severe.   Protection lasts 4-6 months.  The flu shot does not cause the flu, but some people report feeling tired for about 24 hours after as the body works to develop protection (antibodies).   Those at high risk for developing complications and those who may transmit the virus to vulnerable persons should get a flu shot.  Those who are allergic to eggs should not get the vaccine since eggs are used in the vaccine manufacturing process.   Check with your doctor to see if you should be vaccinated against influenza. 

 

For more information on influenza,  visit the links below. 

 

Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion

Public Health Agency of Canada

Government of New Brunswick