What is Influenza?

Influenza, more commonly known as the “flu”, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus.

• The virus is spread through the air when someone with influenza coughs, sneezes or even talks. Other individuals breathe in the virus and can become sick. The virus can also spread by handling objects that have been coughed or sneezed upon.
• Anyone can get the flu; it is one of the world’s most contagious viral diseases, and there is no cure.
• Influenza symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite and tiredness. Most people get better within a week, but influenza can keep you in bed for 5 to 10 days.
• Children 6-23 months old, healthy pregnant women, those 65 years of age and older and individuals with chronic health conditions are at highest risk of developing complications from influenza such as bacterial pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, dehydration or heart failure.

The Societal Cost of Influenza:

Each year in Canada:

• 1 in 6 people will get the flu
• 1.5 million working days will be lost
• 20,000 people will be hospitalized
• 8,000 influenza related deaths will occur (6th leading cause of death)
• $500 million in direct medical costs will be incurred

Influenza Immunization:

• An annual immunization is the best way to reduce the impact of influenza on you, your workplace and your family.
• Influenza immunization prevents disease in about 70-90% of healthy individuals.
• The best time to receive an influenza immunization is in the fall, before the influenza virus circulates in the community. However, it is never too late to be immunized as influenza season in the northern temperate zones is typically anytime between October and April.
• Protection usually begins 2 weeks after administration of the vaccine and may last up to 12 months.
• Influenza immunization is needed yearly because the viruses change. A new vaccine is made each year to provide protection against the virus most likely to cause illness in that year
• The immunization cannot cause influenza as it is a killed virus. Most people have little or no reaction.
• Even healthy people should be immunized because they can spread influenza to family and members of the population who are at risk for more severe complications of influenza.

Sandstone Pharmacy Locations:

• Sandstone Pharmacies Airdrie – #25, 1301 – 8 St SW – (403) 912-7999
• Sandstone Pharmacies Bonaventure – #101, 12427 Bonaventure Dr SE – (403) 255-1080
• Sandstone Pharmacies Dover – #4, 3525 – 26 Ave SE – (403) 273-3366
• Sandstone Pharmacies Fifth Avenue – #222, 425 – 1 St SW – (403) 233-8661
• Sandstone Pharmacies Glenmore Landing – #167D, 1600 – 90 Ave SW – (403) 255-4200
• Sandstone Pharmacies McKenzie Lake – 16630 McKenzie Lake Blvd SE – (403) 257-1888
• Sandstone Pharmacies Simons Valley – 6213 Centre St N – (403) 274-2444
• Sandstone Pharmacies Sprague – 727 – 7 Ave SW – (403) 264-7195
• Sandstone Pharmacies @ YYC – Departures Level Calgary International Airport – (403) 264-4471
• Sandstone Pharmacies Blackfalds – #2, 5013 Parkwood Rd, Blackfalds – (403) 885-2000
• Sandstone Pharmacies Bragg Creek – 20 White Ave, Bragg Creek – (403) 949-3177
• Sandstone Pharmacies Crescent Heights – 25 – 8 St NW, Medicine Hat – (403) 526-5959
• Sandstone Pharmacies Henday Centre – #127, 4804 – 50 St, Innisfail – (403) 227-1111
• Sandstone Pharmacies Innisfail – 4620 – 50 Ave, Innisfail – (403) 227-5211
• Sandstone Pharmacies Langdon – #201, 97 Centre St SW, Langdon – (403) 936-5006
• Sandstone Pharmacies Nanton – 2212 – 20 St, Nanton – (403) 646-2166
• Sandstone Pharmacies Three Hills – 424 Main St, Three Hills – (403) 443-5551