Catching the flu means 3-7 days in bed with high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, cough. Misconceptions about influenza and the vaccine prevent many people from getting the shot. Some believe the vaccine will cause serious adverse effects or that it's not effective. In fact, a yearly vaccination has been shown to be the most effective method of reducing the incidence and spread of influenza, and the vaccine causes no side effects in most people. People who do experience side effects usually complain of local pain at the site of injection, fever or tiredness for one to two days after vaccination.
Flu vaccine is safe.
All residents of Ontario over 6 months of age will be eligible to receive influenza vaccine at no charge. The Wellington Dufferin Guelph Health Unit will be offering free flu shot clinics at various communities throughout both counties and the City of Guelph. The schedule for clinics in Guelph and Erin is shown in the accompanying chart. If you have a cold and touch your eyes or nose without first washing your hands, you may infect someone else, either by spreading your germs to a surface, like a doorknob, or directly to a person, perhaps by shaking hands. Stay home if you are sick.