B4 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, November 12, 2003

/ Influenza | is a serious and contagious illness.

. : _Every year, thousands of British Columbians are hospitalized from the influenza
ah ~ Virus (flu), While anyone can contract the flu, people over the age: ‘of 65° are at the «
: greatest risk of developing life-threatening complications. | — :

A flu shot is the best protection.

~ Flu shots are proven to be 70-90% effective at preventing infection in healthy”
_ - adults. That's why people who may spread the virus to those most at risk from .
the complications of flu are urged to get their flu. shot every year. Because even
~ if you're able to battle the flu virus on your own, those. around you may not be «
“so lucky.

- Free for those who need it most.
“Some people are considered “high risk” for contracting the flu or passing it on to

risk should be vaccinated. That's why the Government of British Columbia provides
free flu shots to health-care workers, seniors, adults, and children with chronic
illnesses and their families.

: Myths about flu shots.

A flu shot will not give you the flu. The influenza \ vaccine does not contain ive .
viruses, Many people believe flu shots weaken their immune system. This is also
untrue. The vaccine actually boosts your immune system and prepares it to fight |

the virus. For most people, side effects are minimal if any.

Protect yourself and the people around you.

Please get a flu shot this season. Not only will it protect you from getting sick, it will
‘also prevent others from being exposed to the influenza virus. All of which means
fewer visits to the emergency room and/or hospital. In fact, influenza immunization
mo contributed to about 1700 fewer hospitalizations for pneumonia and influenza in BC
_ between 1999/2000 and 2000/2001.

“THE RISK OF |
a GETTING THE FLU

* Get a flu shot.

_ others. The World Health Organization recom mends that anyone considered high.

oa Stop or minimize -

~ sinuses, and lungs,
~ Making you more

+ Keep your immune

“~~ getting plenty of exercise,

HOW To REDUCE |

Wash your hands often,
especially during the | .
~ winter months when the -
flu is most prevalent.

- Keep your hands away
- from your nose, eyes,
and mouth.

: smoking. it irritates the
‘lining of your nose,

“susceptible to the virus.

system healthy by eating
abalanced diet and

“To arrange your flu shot, contact your doctor or public health unit For more information,
call BC NurseLine at 1-866-215-4700 (24/7) or visit www.gov.be. ca/heatthplanning.

an”

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| ‘Health Services Health | Health Health ‘Health |

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