Remember to bring your Manitoba Health Card!

The flu is a viral illness spread from person to person by coughing or through contact with nasal fluids. Symptoms are usually more serious than a cold and may include fever, headache, cough, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat and exhaustion. Some people may carry the flu virus but have no flu symptoms. The illness lasts two to seven days, sometimes longer in the elderly and in people with chronic diseases. The flu arrives in Manitoba every year in late fall or early winter.

Ways you can protect yourself and others include:

• Wash your hands often, particularly after coughing or touching your nose
• Keep your hands out of your eyes and away from your nose
• Stay home if you are sick
• Do not visit patients/residents in hospitals or personal care homes if you have a cold or flu symptoms

For the 2011 year, the annual seasonal flu shot is available to all Manitobans at no charge. It will offer protection against H1N1 flu and two additional seasonal flu strains. An annual flu shot is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts. This includes:

• Seniors age 65 or older
• Children age six months to four years
• Those with chronic illness
• Pregnant women
• Health care workers and first responders
• Individuals of Aboriginal ancestry
• People who are severely overweight or obese

Manitobans over the age of 65 should also get a pneumococcal shot at the same time as the seasonal flu shot. Most adults only need one pneumococcal shot in their lifetime. For more information call Public Health Services at 578-2500 or go to the Manitoba Health Flu website.