Get your flu shot
Your pharmacist owner affiliated with Familiprix offers a flu vaccination service.
A flu vaccination remains THE BEST PREVENTION METHOD for influenza.
Getting the vaccine every fall will protect you throughout the winter period. By doing so, you will be less at risk of any complications related to this virus.
Ce faisant, vous serez moins à risque de complications liées à ce virus.
Lastly, when you get the vaccine, not only do you protect yourself, you also protect family members and those around you who are unable to get the vaccine (such as very young children).
Make an appointment with a participating pharmacist owner affiliated with Familiprix.
How to recognize flu symptoms
The flu is often mistaken for a cold. Although the symptoms are similar, the common cold is more frequent and commonplace than the flu. Common symptoms of influenza are:
Common with sudden onset
Common, but light to moderate with expectoration (phlegm)
Common, particularly among childrenRare for adults
Often accompanied by stomach pain and diarrhea in childrenCommon
| Symptoms* | Flu | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Common Sudden onset Temperature between 38°C and 40°C (entre 100, 4°F et 104°F) | Rare |
| Cough | Common with sudden onset | Common, but light to moderate with expectoration (phlegm) |
| Headache | Common and often severe | Rare |
| Aches and pains | Common and often severe | Rare |
| Fatigue | Common and severe Duration: A few days or more | Common, but mild |
| Nausea and vomiting | Common, but mild | Rare |
| Stuffy and runny nose | Rare | Common |
| Sneezing | Rare | Common |
| Mal de gorge | Common | Common |
*Symptoms may vary depending on age and general health. For more information: sante.gouv.qc.ca/conseils-et-prevention/differences-entre-la-grippe-et-le-rhume September 27, 2016 version..
When should you get vaccinated?
The vaccine is recommended annually, in the fall, before the first cases occur. The first weeks of November seem to be the perfect time.
Who should be vaccinated?
Young children and their families
Young children are more vulnerable than healthy adults. By vaccinating the whole family, we provide optimal protection.
Older people
Older people have a higher risk of developing complications related to influenza. Vaccination is highly recommended for this population.
Pregnant women
The risks are higher during the 2nd and 3rd trimester and if the woman has concomitant illnesses. Vaccination is required in order to protect herself and her unborn child.
Vaccination is recommended for everyone, especially:
- Healthcare workers
- People who spend time with those with high risks of complications
- People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart problems, etc.)
Make an appointment with a participating pharmacist owner affiliated with Familiprix.
Learn more about the flu
The flu vaccine – Are you concerned about side effects?
Although the decision to be vaccinated is personal, the benefits are wide-reaching to everyone around you. Indeed, beyond your own protection, vaccines also protect your parents, children, relatives, co-workers and all others who are either too young or too sick to receive vaccines, or for whom vaccines have not been effective.
Preparing yourself for vaccination
You and your family member’s flu vaccination appointments are scheduled to occur soon. Several questions may come to mind as you approach your appointment date:
I’m healthy. Do I need to get vaccinated?
When fall approaches, the flu season is upon us. After a very difficult flu season in the winter of 2017, what can we expect for 2018? It’s hard to predict! Several factors must be considered.
Vaccination, allaitement et grossesse
It is recommended that all pregnant women, regardless of the stage of pregnancy, be vaccinated against the flu during periods of influenza activity (typically during wintertime). Pregnant women are more at risk for flu-related complications than other women, especially as the pregnancy progresses or if the woman has a chronic illness.