With a handful of flu cases already reported, Alberta health officials are getting ready to launch this year’s influenza immunization campaign.
Many Calgarians are dealing with nasty respiratory viruses that are going around at work and school, including the flu.
Since the beginning of September, there have been five cases of influenza in the Calgary Zone, but Alberta Health Services said the reported numbers are always the tip of the iceberg.
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“We’ve had some clusters – that’s a little early – but (the flu is) coming,” Dr. Judy MacDonald, medical officer of health for the Calgary Zone, said.
But she added it’s too early to predict what kind of flu season it will be.
The health authority plans to release dates and locations this Friday for its free immunization clinics, which begin on Oct. 24.
Pharmacies will also offer flu vaccine.
Officials say even though the flu vaccine missed its mark a couple years ago, it protects against several strains and there is always more than one going around.
Now that kids are back in school, people with colds, stomach bugs and a combination of both are also showing up at doctors’ offices and emergency rooms.
Terry Wills is already battling his second respiratory infection this fall and even took his first sick day in a decade.
He visited the London Drugs pharmacy in Brentwood for a prescription.
“It was persisting – going on two weeks – so I thought, ‘well let’s take care of it,'” Wills said.
Pharmacist Jason Chan Remillard encourages people to get vaccinated early in the season and help avoid getting sick in the first place.
He recommends “washing your hands frequently; getting lots of rest (because) exercise boosts the immune system as well; eating fruits and vegetables, so eating healthy, and trying to not touch the eyes or the mouth with your hands.”
Chan Remillard expects to see even more sniffy customers looking for symptom support in the pharmacy’s cold and flu medication aisle in November or December.
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