Flu shots are now available at both drugs stores in downtown Rimbey.
Carl Ziegler, owner of Rimbey Pharmasave says getting a flu shot as early as possible is the best prevention against the flu.
“Flu season starts in November,” he said. “The best time to be immunized is in October or November, however, people can be immunized at any time in the influenza season.”
Patrick Rurka from Rimbey Value Drug Mart agreed.
“There is a misconception among individuals that getting the flu shot can cause the flu which is not the case at all. People mistake diarrhea and vomiting as flu symptoms. However, the flu we are preventing is a disease of the respiratory system causing a cough, fever and chills.”
All Albertans six months and older should receive a flu shot according to information from Alberta Health Services. However, pharmacists at the local drug stores will not give flu shots to anyone under nine-years-of-age.
Flu shots are especially important for people who are at a higher risk of developing complications from influenza.
While some people can experience side effects such as mild pain and/or swelling and muscle aches in the arm used for the shot, the influenza vaccine is an effective way to protect people from becoming sick with the flu.
Influenza is spread through the air when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes or even talks. The virus can also be spread by touching objects that have been coughed or sneezed upon by a person with the flu.
Covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and staying home when sick also helps prevent the spread of the flu.
It is important to immunize people who are able to spread influenza to those who are at high risk of influenza-related complications such as health care providers and other caregivers.
Healthy children from the ages of two to 17-years-of age may be given live nasal spray vaccine.
People 18 to 59 years of age who are healthy may also be able to get live nasal spray vaccine.