What is influenza?

• Influenza is a contagious viral disease of the respiratory system.
• Influenza is spread by coughing, sneezing or direct contact. 
• Symptoms of influenza include sudden fever, chills, muscle aches and cough.
• In most cases, influenza is a self-limiting illness that may result in being home sick for a few days.
• Influenza can result in hospitalization and death, especially in the elderly and those with serious underlying health conditions.

How can influenza be prevented?

• Get the vaccine every year, especially if you are in a high risk group.
• Stay home when you feel sick.
• Practice good hygiene:
  • Frequent hand washing with soap and water.
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue (throw tissue away after use).
  • Clean and disinfect all surfaces regularly.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel if you need to wash your hands, but soap and water are not readily available.

High Risk Groups

Immunizations are free of charge.  They are available to anybody in Saskatchewan and are especially encouraged for the following high risk groups:

• Adults 65 and over
• Persons with a chronic health condition
• Pregnant women
• Children from 6 months to 4 years of age
• Persons with severe obesity
• Residents of a nursing home or other care facility
• Household and close contacts of persons who are in the risk groups above
• Household and close contacts of infants less than 6 months of age
• Members of a household expecting newborns
• Child and daycare workers who provide care to children 6 months to 4 years of age
• Community health and care providers
• Persons who work with poultry or hogs
• Health region employees and volunteers

2011 Influenza Immunization Clinics

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If you missed the public mass clinics there are still options available!

Drop-in clinics will be held in the following locations, all of which can be attended without an appointment, during the specified hours of 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm.  Influenza immunizations will continue to be available to any person at no cost.

• Maple Creek, Community Health Office, November 10
• Shaunavon, Public Health Office, November 14
• Leader, Community Health Office, November 15
• Ponteix, Ponteix Health Centre, November 16
• Swift Current, E.I. Wood Building, November 18 and 25, December 2 and 9

After these dates you may receive your immunization by making an individual appointment by calling 1-866-786-2510.

More Information :

For more information on seasonal influenza you may:

• refer to the influenza mailout that was distribute to all households in late September
• call the Cypress Health Region's Influenza Information Line at (306) 778-5128
• call Community Health Services at (306) 778-5280
• call the provincial HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002
• visit the Ministry of Health's influenza web page by clicking here