Flu Season
Influenza, or more commonly called the flu, is a highly contagious
respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. While the flu can be mild in
some people, in others it can be very serious. Children and adults are most at
risk if they have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, bronchitis, emphysema, kidney
disease, cancer or any other serious medical condition.
The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is to be vaccinated each year in the fall. The flu season usually runs from December to April in the NWT.
Regular hand washing is another way to help minimize your risk. By washing your hands often, you will reduce your chance of becoming infected after touching contaminated surfaces.
The few minutes it takes to get the flu shot is
time well spent considering a typical case of the flu can have you sick in bed
for 1-3 weeks!