Did you know? Being older than 65 puts you at higher risk for getting the flu?

As you age, your immune system weakens. This weakening makes seniors more susceptible to the flu. For seniors, the seasonal flu can be very serious. It is important all seniors get the flu vaccine.

Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious disease that is caused by influenza viruses, and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact.

Anyone can get flu; symptoms come on suddenly and may last several days. They can include:  fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, runny or stuffy nose.

Flu can make some people much sicker than others. These people include young children, people 65  and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions — such as heart, lung or kidney  disease, nervous system disorders, or a weakened immune system. Flu vaccination is especially  important for these people and anyone in close contact with them.

Flu can also lead to pneumonia, and make existing medical conditions worse.

Flu vaccine is the best protection against flu and its complications. Flu vaccine also helps prevent spreading flu from person to person.

Alberta Health Services will be at Columbia to provide free flu vaccines to our Residents and staff  October 9th at 10:00am.

Columbia Newsletter October 2014

Columbia Calendar October 2014