Influenza

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Available Immunizations

Vaccination with Vaxigrip® prior to departure is recommended for all travellers greater than 6 months of age leaving Canada during the Canadian influenza season or who will be travelling during the influenza season at their destination.

Influenza vaccination is only effective for the current influenza season since the viruses are always changing.

Vaccination is therefore recommended every year depending on your travel plans.

What is it?

Influenza or the "flu" is a very contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus that changes every year.

The symptoms may include high fever, coughing, weakness, headache and general aches and pains which may last for 5-10 days.

Serious complications may include pneumonia and kidney failure. These may be life threatening.

Everyone is at risk of catching influenza.

Where is it?

Influenza occurs at different times around the world.

Prevention Tips

Vaccination against influenza is the most effective means for reducing the serious impact of influenza illness.

One injection will offer you protection against those virus strains contained in the current vaccine.

You can help protect yourself by washing your hands often with soap and water, and avoiding contact with people who are ill. The flu virus can survive for a number of days on surfaces or objects that an infected person touches.