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Immunizations For Adults

All Adults Should Consider Having a Flu Shot Every Year, Especially if Over Age 65 or Have a Chronic Disease

Every year thousands of Canadians come down with the flu with sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, fever, coughing and other symptoms. For healthy adults the flu, which is caused by the human influenza virus, causes discomfort and time lost from work but is usually not life-threatening. But for elderly people and those with health conditions the flu can lead to serious complications, such as secondary infections including pneumonia and may cause death.

Influenza can be prevented with a flu shot every year. The vaccine is usually available in October to mid-November. People at high risk of influenza complications include: people over age 65, people with health conditions such as chronic heart or lung disease, cancer, diabetes or any disease that requires ongoing doctor's care. In addition health care workers and persons capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk for influenza-related complications should receive the influenza vaccine.

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