Everything you need to know about the flu this year

If last year the influenza shone by its absence, among other things, due to confinement, it risks making a return in force this season.

Unlike a simple cold, the flu can cause strong symptoms going so far as to bed a person in great shape.As for people at risk, if they are not properly protected, they could develop complications, until they have to stay in hospital.

Fever, cough, muscle pain and great fatigue it can cause are usually caused by respiratory infection from different influenza viruses.

"Each year, there are approximately 3,300 hospitalizations in Quebec due to complications due to the flu, 4 % of which end in death," said Doctor Yves Jalbert, Deputy Director of Public Health Protection.And if we calculate the hospitalizations of over 90s, the death rate is 10 % ".

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The flu is contagious: it is transmitted from one person to another by droplets of nasal or oral secretions, during a cough or sneezing.It can also spread by touch, on a hard surface like a cell phone or switch.

To limit the serious consequences - and avoid by engorging the health system -, any person at risk should protect themselves against flu by receiving the vaccine offered by the Government of Quebec Vaccination Program.

"For the moment, only 20 % of people at risk receive the vaccine.Our goal is to reach 80 % for this clientele, "said Doctor Yves Jalbert.

So, in addition to receiving the COVVI-19 vaccine, it is important that vulnerable people are also vaccinating against flu to be protected from both viruses.

Be a person at risk, without knowing it

"I notice that several people do not realize that they are part of the customers at risk of serious complications.The best way for the population to know if it should be vaccinated is to ask for the advice of a health professional, "said the doctor.

At first glance, Quebecers, who should be vaccinated against influenza, are in particular those who suffer from chronic disease like diabetes, have a weakened immune system or heart, lung or kidneys (see the listComplete here).

"Also, we highly recommend vaccination for all people aged 75 and over.Pregnant women should also receive it from the second trimester and from the first trimester, if they have a particular condition.It is also advisable that people who revolve around people at risk - for example, caregivers - get vaccinated in order to reduce the risk of transmission, ”said Doctor Yves Jalbert.

Making appointments

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The flu vaccination service is free for people at risk and is offered in all regions of Quebec.The appointment can be done in different health establishments such as CLSC, pharmacies and online in Quebec.CA/VACCINGRIPPE.

"The flu vaccine has demonstrated its effectiveness in recent years.If all people at risk were vaccinated, we would save a lot of lives and allege the health system, ”concludes Doctor Jalbert.

Are you part of the population more at risk?Make an appointment now to receive the flu vaccine in Quebec.CA/VACCINGRIPPE.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) is responsible for maintaining, improving and restoring the health and well-being of the Quebec population by making a set of health and social services accessible accessible.