The influenza vaccine or ‘flu shot’ is recommended yearly for ALL patients age 6 months and older by Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI). Infants and toddlers have an especially high burden of illness and high risk for influenza complications so children five years and younger are especially encouraged to get the vaccine.
Egg allergy – it is still safe to have the flu shot if your allergic reaction to eggs is mild. That means if you have a mild gastrointestinal or mild local skin reaction, or if you can tolerate ingestion of small amounts of egg, you can still get a flu shot.
What is the seasonal flu? From The Public Health Agency of Canada:
Influenza, or the flu, is a common and highly contagious, infectious respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza viruses can change rapidly. That’s why there is a new flu shot made every year to protect against the circulating virus strains.
SEASONAL FLU – SYMPTOMS
Almost always
- Sudden onset of cough and fever
Sometimes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Common
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Runny nose