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If last year the flu was conspicuous by its absence, among other things, due to confinement, it may make a comeback this season.
Unlike a common cold, the flu can cause strong symptoms that can even bedrill a healthy person. As for people at risk, if they are not adequately protected, they could develop complications, even having to stay in hospital.
The fever, cough, muscle aches and severe fatigue it can cause are usually caused by a respiratory infection from different influenza viruses.
“Each year, there are approximately 3,300 hospitalizations in Quebec due to complications from the flu, 4% of which end in death,” indicates Dr. Yves Jalbert, deputy director general of public health protection. And if we calculate the hospitalizations of people over 90, the death rate rises to 10% ”.
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The flu is contagious: it is transmitted from one person to another by droplets of nasal or oral secretions, during a cough or sneezing. It can also be spread by touch, on a hard surface such as a cell phone or a light switch.
To limit the serious consequences – and thereby avoid overloading the health system – anyone at risk should protect themselves against the flu by receiving the vaccine offered by the Quebec government vaccination program.
“At the moment, only 20% of people at risk receive the vaccine. Our goal is to reach 80% for this clientele ”, specifies Doctor Yves Jalbert.
So, in addition to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important that vulnerable people also get the flu shot so that they are protected from both viruses.
Being a person at risk, without knowing it
“I notice that many people do not realize that they are part of the clientele at risk of serious complications. The best way for people to know if they should be vaccinated is to seek the advice of a health professional, ”says the doctor.
At first glance, Quebecers, who should be vaccinated against the flu, are particularly those who suffer from a chronic disease such as diabetes, have a weakened immune system or have problems with the heart, lungs or kidneys (see the full list here).
“We also strongly recommend vaccination for all people 75 years of age and over. Pregnant women should also receive it from the second trimester and from the first trimester, if they have a particular condition. It is also advisable that people who revolve around people at risk – for example, family caregivers – get vaccinated in order to reduce the risk of transmission, ”says Dr. Yves Jalbert.
Making appointments
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The flu vaccination service is free for people at risk and is offered in all regions of Quebec. Appointments can be made in different health establishments such as CLSCs, pharmacies and online at Québec.ca / influenza vaccine.
“The flu vaccine has been shown to be effective in recent years. If all those at risk were vaccinated, we would save a lot of lives and make the health care system lighter, ”concludes Dr Jalbert.
Are you part of the population at greater risk? Make an appointment now to receive the flu shot To Québec.ca / influenza vaccine.
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