Influenza is an illness that can be serious, and potentially fatal. The Public Health Agency of Canada identifies the typical symptoms of the flu as fever, dry cough, muscle pain and a significant general malaise that lasts five to seven days. The cough can persist for two weeks, while fatigue sets in for several days. Complications can also follow a flu, such as earaches, sinusitis and pneumonia.
People that are in good health are more likely to successfully fight the flu. However, they might transmit the virus, contaminating those that are at heightened risk of complications. When the flu strikes more vulnerable people, the virus can keep them out of work for several days, and, more gravely, potentially lead to hospitalization, and even death. A significant number of our users belong to high-risk groups, among them:
- People who suffer from certain chronic illnesses, such as cardiac or respiratory problems, diabetes, cancer, immune deficiency, transplant patients
- Residents in long-term care facilities
- People over 75 years of age
The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine, which is safe and effective. Throughout the month of November, flu vaccines will be available for all staff members across the network.
To consult the vaccination schedule, visit our intranet Influenza page.
