News release

Nova Scotians Reminded to Get Flu Shot Before Holidays

Health and Wellness

As people come together to celebrate the holiday season the flu spreads quickly so Nova Scotians are reminded to get their flu shots now and take other precautions to avoid getting sick and spreading the disease.

"The flu shot is the safest, and most effective way to prevent the flu," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "It helps Nova Scotians avoid getting the flu themselves, and avoid spreading it to family, friends, co-workers and people in their care, such as children in daycares and patients in health and long-term care facilities."

Seasonal flu vaccine is free and available to all Nova Scotians from most pharmacies, family doctors, family practice nurses, nurse practitioners, many workplaces and through clinics offered by some public health offices.

"Protection from the vaccine generally begins 10 to 14 days after immunization and may last six months or longer," said Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr Frank Atherton. "I encourage everyone to get their flu shot as soon as possible, especially those in high risk groups."

High-risk groups strongly encouraged to get a flu shot are:

  • seniors
  • children six months to five years of age
  • Aboriginal people
  • pregnant women
  • people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes
  • people who live with, or care for, people in high-risk groups

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

For more information visit http://novascotia.ca/flu .