HEALTHY REASONING: The Flu Vaccine – Yes Or No?

By Allan Jones
Pride Health Columnist

We are nearing the end of the year, it is getting cold, we are inside the flu season, and many people are coming down with the flu. Health authorities tell us, it is a good thing to get the free flu vaccine to protect us from catching the flu and also to minimize the effects if we have the flu. Influenza, commonly known as “the flu” is a serious, acute respiratory illness caused by a virus. There are serious complications that can arise from the flu.

According to Public Health Ontario, last year in Ontario, 280 people with laboratory-confirmed influenza died and a total of 3,686 were hospitalized. Among those who died were four children aged 1 to 4.

The flu bug is especially dangerous to the very young, the very old and those with compromised immune systems.

There is now evidence to indicate that there are benefits to the heart from taking the flu vaccine. A new Toronto study found that the chance of someone in their mid-60s suffering a major cardiac event such as a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or cardiac-related death are cut by 36% if they had a flu shot within the previous year.

Despite all the benefits highlighted to encourage eligible individuals, i.e. those six months of age and older, including pregnant women, to take the vaccine, only half of those eligible actually take the vaccine, why?

There are still many who are against taking the flu vaccine for a variety of reasons ranging from the many side effects that can potentially occur, to the fact that many who previously did not have the flu, experienced a bad bout for the first time, after taking the vaccine. Some of the concerns are just myths while some are real, and this has created doubt in people’s mind about getting the flu vaccine.

Ontario public health officials say there are no signs yet of a serious flu season this year, but they won’t go as far as to forecast a mild season because the flu bug is unpredictable. Plus, they don’t want Ontarians to think it is safe not to get the flu shot.

Some think that once they get the flu vaccine it will be effective for years, but this is not true. The influenza virus changes year after year and the vaccine given during any particular season is chosen because it is effective against the flu virus that is prominent during that season. So if you agree with having the flu vaccine, it is recommended it be done each year.

While taking the flu vaccine can help prevent you from contracting the flu, there are a number of flu prevention steps you can follow, like: Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; try to avoid close contact with sick people; practice good health habits; get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food; cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it, and wash your hands. If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

There are many flu clinics near where you live to get the flu vaccine, including your family doctor, walk-in clinics, community health centres and some pharmacies. If you have concerns about the flu, you can speak to a registered nurse, provided by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at 1.866.797.0000, any time of day or night on any day of the week.

Avoid the flu, through taking the vaccine and/or follow practices to minimize contracting the flu virus, and stay healthy during this flu season. Your health is in your hands. 

Allan Jones is a Health Promoter and Broadcaster. He can be reached at ajones@jjmedical.ca.