The shots are free if you're in a higher risk category so why not take advantage?
Flu shots at public health clinics began earlier this month across the province, and Saskatchewan Health is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against influenza.
While we may not have known the individuals personally, last year the H1N1 flu virus was responsible for the loss of 15 lives in the province and 428 across Canada. Had these deaths occurred by any other means, collectively we might still be talking about them or how to prevent them in the future.
"Influenza is a serious, highly contagious illness with symptoms such as cough, sore throat, head and body aches, chills, and fever," cautions Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater.
"An annual flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza. Frequent handwashing also decreases the spread of most respiratory viruses, including this one."
With all this mind, will Saskatchewan residents be quick to line up for the shot? While it's impossible to know how many will be affected this year, or how severely, this is one way of doing our own small part to help contain the spread.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending an influenza shot for everyone, even healthy adults and children.
"You cannot get the flu from the flu shot, as there is no live virus in the vaccine. This is one of the myths we would like to clear up," adds Findlater. "And although eating well and exercising are good for you, these actions cannot prevent the flu. An annual flu shot and frequent handwashing can."
Twenty dollars - the cost of the shot if you're not in a high risk category - is a small price to pay to save a life.
