GET A FLU SHOT INSTEAD OF THE FLU

GET A FLU SHOT INSTEAD OF THE FLU

Saskatoon, October 9, 2003: The flu, short for influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus.  œBecause the nature of the virus that is expected to be present in North America changes every year, the makeup of the flu vaccine also changes.  As a result an individual must get a flu shot annually in order to ensure protection against the anticipated flu virus, says Bernie Bolley, the Lung Association's Health Initiatives Coordinator.

 

The 2003 flu vaccine is now available.

Because of our harsh Saskatchewan winters, we spend most of our time indoors and the virus is able to quickly spread from person to person.  Influenza is much worse than a bad cold. Although flu symptoms may be cold-like, they are far more serious and recovery may take up to 6 weeks.  Flu symptoms can include:  headache, chills, body aches, and fever.

Flu season usually lasts from November to April and immunization is the best prevention.  The flu can lead to severe complications for thousands each year, resulting in severe and life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death, cautions Ms. Bolley. Children and adults are most at risk of getting the flu if they have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and other serious medical conditions.

For further information on influenza, please browse www.lung.ca/flu or call the Lung Association at 1-888-566-(LUNG) 5864 and speak with one of our helpful staff.

The Lung Association is Canada's oldest health charity, helping Canadians to breathe easier since 1900.  We are a non-profit, non-governmental organization that relies on donations from the public and our annual Christmas Seals Campaign to fund our many programs and activities.  You will find the Lung Association active in your community conducting programs on asthma, COPD (or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), tobacco, and sleep apnea, providing training for health professionals, delivering health education in schools, facilitating patient support groups, and lobbying for clean air.  The Lung Association is the premier source for respiratory health initiatives in the province.

For more information contact:

Jan Haffner, B.P.T., C.A.E., VP Health Initiatives or

Bernie Bolley, B.Sc.N., R.N., C.A.E., Health Initiatives Coordinator

Saskatoon residents: 343-9511
Outside Saskatoon: 1-888-566-LUNG (5864

 

 

 

When you can't breathe, nothing else matters.^ТÐ

www.sk.lung.ca