Each year, influenza infects five to 15 per cent of Canadians each year. While the majority who become sick will recover, the flu results in an average of 20,000 hospitalizations and 2,000 to 8,000 deaths in Canada each year.
What can be done to contain the spread of the influenza virus and save lives?
Well, the first thing is to think about reducing your risk of becoming infected with the influenza virus in the first place. Health officials say the best way to do that is to get vaccinated every fall before the start of influenza season. Not only does a vaccination reduce your risk of getting sick, it limits the possibility that you will transmit the virus to someone else.
You can still get a flu shot
The Winnipeg Health Region’s free flu clinics are now closed, but it’s not too late to get your flu shot!