News release

Nova Scotians Encouraged to Get Flu Shot

Health and Wellness

Nova Scotians are encouraged to get a flu shot early in the season.

"Vaccination is the single most important way to prevent the flu, which can be a very serious illness," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "It's free, safe and effective, and we encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine, but especially people at high risk for complications such as pregnant women."

Other high-risk groups strongly encouraged to get a flu shot are seniors, those six months to five years of age, Aboriginal people, anyone with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, and those who live with, or care for, people in high-risks groups.

"This year, we want to remind pregnant women to get vaccinated. It is safe and effective at any stage of pregnancy, and protects not only the pregnant woman, but her baby both before and after birth," said Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Frank Atherton. "Since the earliest a baby can be immunized is at six months, an expectant mother's flu shot is the best way her newborn can be protected."

Seasonal flu vaccine is available from most pharmacies, family doctors, family practice nurses, nurse practitioners, clinics offered by Public Health and some workplaces. Last year, 42 per cent of Nova Scotians got a flu shot.

Proper hygiene such as hand washing and covering noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing is also important to prevent the spread of influenza and many other infections. People with flu symptoms should stay home and minimize close contact with others.

Flu symptoms often include a sudden high fever, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat. It can lead to more severe illness such as pneumonia or even death.

For more information on the flu, visit www.gov.ns.ca/flu .