It's nearly that dreaded time of year of sore throats, sneezing and coughing.

Flu season is nearly upon Alberta and this year's influenza strain will soon be sweeping across the province.

In response to the seasonal virus, this year's flu shot will soon be available at participating pharmacies and locations.

Doctor Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health at Alberta Health, said that it's difficult to predict when exactly the influenza season will hit.

"We know that typically our peak of influenza season is around late December, early January. That's kind of an average. What we know from typical years is that influenza starts to circulate sometime in the later fall and then again through late December through January is when we see the most cases."

She said it was also difficult to predict how harsh the influenza strain will be this year, but we can take signs from countries where flu season has already passed.

"We know from Australia that their vaccine match seemed to be reasonably good this year, so that's a good sign. We rely on the World Health Organization predictions in terms of what influenza strains go into the vaccines in terms of what gives us the best chance of making a vaccine that will protect people."

In addition to the vaccine, Hinshaw suggests taking basic cautionary practices such as washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth when you cough.

Hinshaw said the vaccination was effective during last year's flu season.

"Although it's difficult to say in advance what percentage of people are protected, we know last year the flu shot protect about 70%. That means of every ten people vaccinated, seven were protected from getting influenza that they would have gotten if they hadn't been vaccinated."

The vaccination introduces a non-threatening version of the influenza virus so the body can create antibodies in advance. So, when exposed to the virus, the body is ready to fight.

Participating pharmacies and locations will start offering the shots in early October.

Hinshaw said that the vaccination is well worth the trouble of a needle.

"Any vaccine that is given with a needle, you, unfortunately, get the pain at the site with the needle. Sometimes there's a bit of aching at the site. Those are pretty minor and don't compare with the discomfort of having influenza. Those are the most common reactions to an influenza shot, those really localized senses of discomfort," said Hinshaw.

"We recommend that all Albertans protect both themselves and the people around them by getting a vaccine and that's particularly important for those who are at high risks like the very young or very old or those with chronic health conditions and their family members and those who work with them."

 

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