As seasonal flu hits Nunavut, GN urges residents to get their vaccinations

Keith Peterson, Nunavut’s health minister, gets a flu shot from public health nurse Susie Pearce earlier this year at the Nunavut Legislative Assembly building in Iqaluit. (FILE PHOTO)

The Government of Nunavut has confirmed the Baffin region’s first cases of the flu this season and urges people with flu-like symptoms to stay home until they are symptom-free and able to return to normal activities.

“Though the flu is here, there is still time for people to be immunized. And, you won’t get sick from the flu shot,” said Dr. Geraldine Osborne.

Influenza, whose symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, coughing and headaches, can cause serious complications among babies under the age of six months, who cannot be vaccinated.

The flu vaccine is free and available at health centres across Nunavut, as well as the public health centre in Iqaluit, located at building 1091 on the Airport Road.

Flu mist, a nose spray vaccine, is recommended for children aged two to 17.

The flu vaccine, which reaches its maximum effectiveness about two weeks after you get it, will protects you for at least six to 12 months.

The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is to get a vaccination each fall.

Regular hand washing is another way to help minimize your risk. By washing your hands often, you will reduce your chance of becoming infected.

Influenza is a common respiratory illness affecting millions of Canadians each year.

In Canada, flu season usually runs from November to April.