Windsor residents prepare for seasonal flu shot

Since the winter season has started, many Windsor residents have been recommending the flu shot.

The flu shot makes the illness milder if you do get sick and it reduces the risk of the flu becoming a serious illness.

A registered practical nurse, Jane Colella, has already went for her flu shot this season. She said the best time to get the flu shot is early October to January.

“The flu shot is recommended to help not only protect yourself, but also to help those around you such as children, elderly or those who are immunocompromised who are more susceptible to illness and complications,” said Colella.

Colella said the flu shot is a safe vaccine, but some Windsor residents feel it may have caused them to get the flu.

The vaccine does cause side effects such as soreness, redness or swelling where the shot has been given. Rare side effects can include a low fever, muscle ache and even fatigue.

“Symptoms of a cold and flu can be similar. However, the flu is much worse. With the flu, you are more likely to run a high fever for several days and have body aches, fatigue and weakness,” Colella said. “Similar symptoms would include congestion, sore throat, sneezing and headache.”

Each year it is estimated that 10 to 20 per cent of the Canadian population becomes infected with influenza. A study by Public Health Ontario has shown that during the winter of 2013-14, there were over 3,000 hospitalizations, over 200 deaths and over 300 institutional outbreaks caused by influenza.

However, Colella said not everyone can get the flu shot. Certain people are not permitted to get the shot due to certain circumstances.

“Children younger than 6 months of age, people with severe life threatening allergies to ingredients in the flu vaccine,” said Colella. Also people who have Guillan Barre syndrome, a disorder where the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system, should discuss getting the shot with their doctor.”

Local residents Barry Lennon, 72, and Edmund Ackle, 45, both said they are getting their flu shots this year. They feel the flu shot helps prevent the flu, but they also take extra precautions when the winter season comes.

“I take vitamins E, D and different supplements,” said Lennon.

If you are interested in getting your flu shot this winter, you can get your vaccine at your family doctors office, walk in clinics, pharmacies and the Windsor Health Unit shots are only for certain people.