By James Bowler

POLL: Flu clinics open today

Oct 21, 2013 | 6:41 AM

It’s that time of year again to roll up your sleeve.

Influenza clinics will be opening across the province on today, and according to Sandy Heidel, immunization lead public health nurse for Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR), there will be quite a few clinics open.

“The flu shots start across the province and we’re doing quite a number of them in the area,” said Heidel. “We’re in a huge number of places around the whole health region.”

She added the main clinic will be open in Prince Albert at the South Hill Mall between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. between Monday and Saturday for the next three weeks.

Heidel said it’s always important to get immunized against the current strain of influenza to prevent becoming sick and to also prevent the strain from spreading to those who might be severely susceptible to the virus.

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“Getting your flu shot prevents you from getting quite ill with influenza,” said Heidel. “But it also prevents you from, maybe, spreading it to someone who can get very seriously ill from influenza.”

She said between 4,000 and 8,000 Canadians die per year from the influenza virus, or complications caused by the virus like pneumonia.

“It takes quite a toll on us in Canada,” said Heidel.

Heidel said at this point in time it’s difficult to tell what the season will be like for infections.

“Right now we aren’t seeing much circulating, which is the perfect opportunity to get your flu shot,” said Heidel. “It takes about two weeks or more depending on your immune system for the flu shot to take full effect.”

Heidel said there are various different symptoms that could be signs of influenza infection.

“Basically you can get headaches, chills, cough, fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches, tiredness and then you can get a runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat,” said Heidel. “Children often present with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea which sometimes is mistaken as a stomach infection, but it can actually be influenza.”

Heidel said other precautions against contracting or spreading the flu include properly washing your hands and sneezing into your elbow, and also if you are sick with the flu, to stay home or keep your kids at home to stop the spread of infection.

She added the flu shot is free to anyone, and shots will continue to be provided at South Hill Mall after the first three weeks on Tuesdays only.

-With files from Sarah Stone.

jbowler@panow.com

On Twitter: @journalistjim