A quick jab in the arm could save you a whole lot of time being seriously ill.
That’s the message Vancouver Coastal Health authority officials are sending out, urging the public to get a flu shot as the region experiences a spike in cases, some involving the severe H1N1 strain.
Since Christmas, a total of 20 adults have been hospitalized with flu in the region — five of them placed in intensive care with H1N1 which was prominent in 2009.
So far, none of them have involved hospitalization of Richmond residents, said VCH spokeswoman Anna Marie D’Angelo.
“Flu circulates all the time, but we know that from December onwards you see a real increase in cases,” D’Angelo said, adding the holiday season usually brings together large numbers of people into enclosed spaces which can promote the spread of the illness.
D’Angelo said the current H1N1 strain has mutated from the one that claimed a number of lives four years ago, and shots received then do not offer protection now.
“Flu shots are available now and you can get them from your doctor’s office, pharmacies, and walk-in clinics,” she said. “But be aware, it takes 10 days after having the shot to build up your immunity. That means you are not quite home free after getting it.”
Children can receive the vaccine using a mist administered to their nasal passage instead of an injection.
Those who are at most risk of contracting flu and developing complications are eligible for free shots. They include seniors, pregnant women, children, aboriginal people, those with chronic health conditions — asthma, upper respiratory illnesses and heart conditions — and those who come into frequent contact with those higher risk categories, such as healthcare workers and those caring for elderly family members.
But a quick check of some pharmacies in Richmond showed they are either running low on the vaccine, or are awaiting resupply to meet the recent increase in demand.
At London Drugs on No. 3 Road, staff said they did not have any vaccine on hand, but were expecting 50 doses to arrive in time for a flu shot clinic on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At Save-On-Foods in Terra Nova, staff said they have 40 doses for people who qualify for a free vaccine but none for those who don’t.
At both pharmacies, the shot will cost $18. Appointments are required at Save-On-Foods. Information regarding flu clinic locations or eligibility can be found at immunizebc.ca/clinics/flu or by calling.
Symptoms of the flu extend much further than a cold which most people can carry on through, D’Angelo said.
“The flu will knock you on your back for a few days,” she said. “And you will have a fever and chills. We are asking people that if they have a cough and a fever not to go out and expose other people to the virus.”
H1N1 is similar to most other flu strains, but tends to cause infection mostly among young adults.
To help guard against infection the public can follow an easy set of hygiene rules that starts with frequent hand washing. And when you need to cough, do it into your elbow to limit spread of the virus.
D’Angelo added that adequate supplies of the vaccine should be available to the public.
