Manitoba
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Manitoba Health

For this year, the annual seasonal flu shot is available to all Manitobans at no charge. It will offer protection against H1N1 flu and two additional seasonal flu strains. 

Flu - Questions and Answers

Also visit our Seasonal Flu Fact Sheets

What is the flu?

The flu is an infection caused by a virus. It can spread easily from one person to another through coughing, sneezing or sharing food or drinks. You can also get the flu by touching objects contaminated with flu virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.

What type of flu is in the vaccine this season?

There are many different strains of flu virus. Every year, scientists monitor the global spread of flu and decide which three flu strains will likely cause the most illness during flu season. Those three strains are then put into the flu vaccine for that year. For the 2011-2012 season, the flu vaccine provides protection against the same influenza A and B strain as the previous season.

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What are the symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and can include cough and a fever, sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain and exhaustion.

Children may also feel sick to their stomach, vomit or have diarrhea. Elderly people, young children and people with lowered immunity may not have a fever.

Not everyone who gets the flu develops symptoms but they still may be able to spread it to others, especially if they cough or sneeze. It’s important for all people to practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette, whether or not they feel ill.

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Who is at an increased risk?

An annual flu shot is especially important for Manitobans at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts. This includes:

  • Seniors aged 65 years or older
  • Residents of personal care homes or long-term care facilities
  • Children six months to four years of age
  • Those with chronic illness such as:
    • kidney, heart or lung conditions
    • an immune system weakened by disease or medical treatment
    • a condition that makes it difficult to breathe
    • children on long-term aspirin therapy
    • other chronic medical conditions (ex. diabetes, mental disabilities)
  • Pregnant women
  • Health care workers and first responders
  • Individuals of Aboriginal ancestry
  • People who are severely overweight or obese

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What basic precautions should people with the flu take?

If you have flu symptoms:

  • Stay home from school or work and limit contact with others while you are sick.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth. Place the tissue in the garbage immediately.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. When soap and water are not available and your hands aren’t visibly soiled, hand sanitizers may be an acceptable alternative.
  • Limit touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

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What can I do at home to treat a fever?

  • Dress in lightweight clothing and keep the room temperature around 20ºC (68ºF).
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Offer small, nutritious meals.
  • Take acetaminophen (ex: Tylenol®, Tempra®). Use the dose and schedule recommended on the package or by your doctor or pharmacist. Ibuprofen (ex: Advil®, Motrin®,) may be used for children older than six months and for adults.
  • Do not give acetylsalicylic acid, also known as ASA, (ex: Aspirin®,) to anyone under 18 years of age because it can lead to brain and liver damage (Reye’s Syndrome).

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How can I treat other flu symptoms?

  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Gargle with warm salt water if you have a sore throat.
  • Use a cool mist humidifier to help with a stuffy nose.

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When should I seek medical care for someone with the flu?

The decision to seek medical care will be affected by factors such as age, existing health problems or the symptoms a person is experiencing at the time.

People who may be at risk for severe illness should contact their health care provider early if they have flu symptoms, including:

  • people with a chronic medical condition (ex. heart or lung disease, diabetes etc.)
  • people 65 years and older and others who may be frail, have mobility problems or live alone
  • people with weakened immune systems
  • people with other risks such as alcoholism
  • pregnant women

Children under five, people of Aboriginal ancestry, disadvantaged populations (ex: homeless), people living in remote or isolated areas, and those with other risks such as severe obesity may also be at increased risk for severe illness from some types of flu (ex: H1N1).

People who are normally healthy and have symptoms of the flu should seek medical attention as soon as possible, if they experience any of the following:

  • difficult or painful breathing
  • coughing up bloody sputum (phlegm or saliva)
  • wheezing
  • fever for three to four days that is not getting better or is getting worse
  • sudden return of high fever and other symptoms after initial improvement
  • extreme ear pain

People who have difficulty breathing or are believed to be severely ill, dehydrated, extremely drowsy or confused should seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest hospital emergency department or calling 911.

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Where can I get more information?

For more information on the flu, contact your health care provider or call Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257.