Flu season creeping up, vaccines out Monday

Last year, over 23,000 people in the region received their flu shot. Chokani said this number has been on the rise compared with the past.

“It is showing that there has been an increased uptake and then I think the one crucial thing that is showing is we are starting to appreciate and understand that this time of year it’s so important to focus on the three main things that we’ve got to be doing,” said Chokani.

His three tips for helping for avoiding getting and spreading the virus, besides getting a flu shot, include washing hands, covering coughs and staying home if you’re not feeling well.

“When they’re doing those three things, we’re able to keep the virus at bay,” said Chokani.

In each vaccine, Chokani explained, there are two types of influenza to target. Type A is the strand he labels, “rather deadly”, while Type B is milder, but will still inflict illness.

“The vaccine component usually contain two of the most common strains of influenza A and one of influenza B,” said Chokani.

This year they’re switching up that formula.

“We are actually having a quadrivalent vaccine,” which Chokani explained will include two strands of both A and B.

This is one of the three types of vaccines that will be available, along with the other, more common, injectable form, known as the trivalent—with the customary three strands included, and the FluMist inhalant.

“This one is being offered as an option for children especially, two to seventeen. In some cases they may not want the needle,” said Chokani. Besides that, the vaccine prepares the nose so the virus loses its ability to hold on and multiply within the nasal passages.

“It makes the nose an unfavorable and unhappy camping ground,” he said.

Flu clinics in Prince Albert will be held at the South Hill Mall (between Carlton Trail Hearing & People’s Jewellers) on Oct. 19 to 24, Oct. 26 to 31, and Nov. 3, 10, 17, 21 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

There will also be a clinic on the third floor of City Hall on Nov. 2 from 12 to 4 p.m. and at the Gateway Mall (beside Propoganda) on Nov. 6 and 7, and Nov. 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

by paNOW Staff

Flu season creeping up, vaccines out Monday

What's Trending