More than 958,000 doses of influenza vaccine have been administered to Albertans this season.
“As of the data posted November 30, we’ve already confirmed more than 1,100 cases of influenza in Alberta,” said Dr. Gerry Predy, AHS’ Senior Medical Officer of Health. “You may be healthy right now but keep in mind, good health isn’t contagious; influenza is. To protect your health you need to get immunized.”
The influenza vaccine continues to be offered to all Albertans, six months of age and older, free of charge. For more information, including local clinic schedules, visit www.ahs.ca/influenza or call Health Link at 811.
“In addition to getting immunized to reduce your risk of influenza, there are a number of steps you should always take to help prevent the spread of germs and illness,” said Dr. Predy.
These include:
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. If you don’t have a tissue, always cough or sneeze into your arm, not into your hands.
- Washing hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water after coughing, sneezing, using tissues or the washroom, and before eating or preparing foods.
- Keeping hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Refraining from preparing food for anyone while you’re sick.
- Staying home – from work, school, social obligations and visiting anyone in care facilities – when sick.
