Flu season has once again hit Alberta and, due to the amount of people and it being a popular travelling city, Calgary has been hit hard first.

147 Calgarians have been hospitalized by the influenza virus and Alberta Health Services (AHS) are encouraging locals to get vaccinated not just to protect themselves, but to protect others.

"Getting immunized doesn't just protect yourself but you also help to protect those around you who are either more venerable or weren't able to get immunized. So that's why we're aiming for thirty percent," says lead medical health officer David Strong.

The flu is an "imported illness" and it requires transportation through people to reach more victims. Strong says that the vaccination helps shut down on that transportation process.

Despite the success of the vaccination, Strong suggests simple precautionary measures.

"Frequent hand washing during the flu season is a good way of preventing spread. If it's on your hand and if you touch even your eyes, for example, you can get infected that way so it's a good idea to be washing your hands."

AHS plans to immunize thirty percent of the population and have now immunized 830,000 Albertans, 350,000 of them being from Calgary.

Despite the high numbers, it does not reach the goal AHS has in mind. Strong encourages locals to get the flu shot and that there are no dangers even if one has never gotten it.

"Theres no risks. It's a very safe vaccine. very few counter indications. Basically if youve had a very bad allergic reaction to a past vaccine dose that would be the only indication to not get another dose."

 

Comments? Questions? Story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com