Keeping You Safe When You Visit Us
We’re working hard to make sure our pharmacists can provide services, care and advice to you safely. Here are some of the things we’re doing to keep you safe.
We politely ask you to wear a face covering if youre using one of our pharmacy services
Our colleagues will be wearing PPE
Well be limiting the time you spend with our pharmacists in our consultation room
We’ll clean the consultation room before and after every appointment
Should You Get A Flu Shot
In general, every person with diabetes needs a flu shot each year. Talk with your doctor about having a flu shot. Flu shots do not give 100% protection, but they do make it less likely for you to catch the flu for about six months.
For extra safety, it’s a good idea for the people you live with or spend a lot of time with to get a flu shot, too. You are less likely to get the flu if the people around you don’t have it.
The best time to get your flu shot is beginning in September. The shot takes about two weeks to take effect.
If youre sick , ask if you should wait until you are healthy again before having your flu shot. And don’t get a flu shot if you are allergic to eggs.
You are advised to continue to take the general precautions of preventing seasonal flu and other communicable illnesses and diseases:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash. If you dont have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Safety Measures For Getting The Flu Jab And/or Pneumococcal Vaccination
Your GP and doctors assistants will ensure that everyone can maintain physical distance during the flu vaccination clinic. They will also ask whether people have symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. If someone has possible COVID-19 symptoms, they can get the flu jab and/or pneumococcal vaccination at a later time. It is possible that you will have to get the flu jab and/or pneumococcal vaccination at a different location, for example in a sports hall. Only the care provider who gives you the injection will approach within 1.5 metres. For that reason, the person vaccinating you will wear a surgical mask that covers the mouth and nose.
You can get the flu jab safely by following the coronavirus measures.
If you had the flu jab and/or pneumococcal vaccination first, then you should wait at least 1 week before getting the COVID-19 vaccination. If you got the COVID-19 vaccination first, then you should wait at least 2 weeks before getting the flu jab and/or pneumococcal vaccination. This waiting period is in case you experience any side-effects.
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Influenza And Pneumococcal Immunization
Everyone plays a role in infection preventionpatients, families, and healthcare personnelin and out of healthcare facilities.
So do your part! Wherever you are, there is something you can do to stay safe from infections.
Two things that you can do for yourself and your loved ones are to receive an influenza vaccine annually and a pneumonia immunization at the appropriate time according to your age and health history. By doing so, you not only protect yourself, but you protect others who are vulnerable to severe illness or even death if they get one of these viruses.
Influenza immunization
Flu activity usually peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Even healthy people can get sick enough to miss work or school for a significant amount of time or even be hospitalized. Learn the flu basics.
How Are Bacterial Infections Transmitted
There are many modes of transmission of bacteria. Bacteria are transmitted to humans through air, water, food, parasites, animals, or contact with other humans.
Also, bacteria that normally are present in or on the body without causing illness can produce illness if a person’s immune system is weakened and they overgrow or are introduced to a different area of the body, such as the bloodstream, lungs, or urinary tract.
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Is The Flu A Virus Or Bacteria
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. However, it is not the same as stomach flu . Stomach flu is commonly caused by rotaviruses or noroviruses, which are two groups of highly contagious viruses that infect the gastrointestinal system.
Flu Vs Pneumonia: How Can You Tell The Difference
Fever. Chills. Aches. Congestion. Fatigue.
At the first sign of these symptoms, many of us immediately wonder: is this just a little bug, or am I really sick? Then, of course, after 2020, we also had the added stress of wondering if our symptoms indicated we had been exposed to Covid-19 or the coronavirus!
Flu and pneumonia are often confused, thanks partly to the fact that they do have some overlapping symptoms. We will take a look at those symptoms in detail here and help you understand a few key ways you may be able to distinguish between them.
The most important thing to bear in mindwhether its flu, pneumonia, or something elseis that you should always seek your physicians guidance for the best course of treatment when you are sick.
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A Flu Shot Is Not A Pneumonia Shot
A flu shot protects against the flu and its complications, which may include forms of pneumonia. But it does not offer protection against the most common type of pneumonia, pneumcoccal disease. If you get a flu shot, you may think you dont need a pneumonia shot. However, this is not true.
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against strains of a bacteria, streptococcus pneumonaie. This bacteria can cause pneumococcal disease which can manifest as pneumonia, sinus infections, meningitis or blood stream infections. Adults and children can get pneumococcal disease. The germ is passed from person to person through respiratory secretions, saliva or mucus. According to the Centers for Disease Control 900,000 Americans get pneumococcal disease each year, causing over 400,000 hospitalizations. 90% of invasive pneumococcal disease occurs in older adults, with the majority of deaths from this illness occurring in the same age group.
The recommendations for how these shots are administered have changed since the first pneumonia shots were introduced. At that time, it was believed that an older person only needed one shot in their lifetime. Over time, the guidelines changed and it was recommended that certain people get a booster, depending on their age of the first pneumonia shot and/or their health status. With the advent of the new vaccine, guidelines have again changed. The guidelines outlined here are for adults 65 and over.
Who Should Not Get These Vaccines
Because of age or health conditions, some people should not get certain vaccines or should wait before getting them. Read the guidelines below specific to pneumococcal vaccines and ask your or your childs doctor for more information.
Children younger than 2 years old should not get PPSV23. In addition, tell the person who is giving you or your child a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine if:
You or your child have had a life-threatening allergic reaction or have a severe allergy.
- Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any of the following should not get PCV13:
- A shot of this vaccine
- An earlier pneumococcal conjugate vaccine called PCV7
- Any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid
You or your child are not feeling well.
- People who have a mild illness, such as a cold, can probably get vaccinated. People who have a more serious illness should probably wait until they recover. Your or your childs doctor can advise you.
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How The Pneumococcal Vaccine Works
Both types of pneumococcal vaccine encourage your body to produce antibodies against pneumococcal bacteria.
Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to neutralise or destroy disease-carrying organisms and toxins.
They protect you from becoming ill if you’re infected with the bacteria.
More than 90 different strains of the pneumococcal bacterium have been identified, although most of these strains do not cause serious infections.
The childhood vaccine protects against 13 strains of the pneumococcal bacterium, while the adult vaccine protects against 23 strains.
Number And Timing Of Doses
Vaccinate all children younger than 2 years old with PCV13. The primary series consists of 3 doses routinely given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. You can administer the first dose as early as 6 weeks of age. CDC recommends a fourth dose at 12 through 15 months of age. For children vaccinated when they are younger than 12 months of age, the minimum interval between doses is 4 weeks. Separate doses given at 12 months of age and older by at least 8 weeks.
The number and timing of doses for older children and adults depends on the medical indication, prior pneumococcal vaccination, and age. See Pneumococcal Vaccination: Summary of Who and When to Vaccinate for all pneumococcal vaccine recommendations by vaccine and age.
Summarizes how to implement adult pneumococcal vaccination recommendations.
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The Difference Between Pneumonia And The Flu
First, the flu is a viral infection while pneumonia is alung infection that can develop from either a bacterial or viral infection.Pneumonia can also be a complication of the flu.
The flu tends to come on suddenly while pneumonia developsmore slowly. The flu is often accompanied by muscle aches or pains and fatigue.Because pneumonia is an illness in the lungs, symptoms tend to berespiratory-related.
Flu And Pneumonia Shots Offer Double Protection For Seniors
Excerpt: Flu and pneumonia shots for older adults are especially important this fall to protect their own health, the health of others and to keep the Canadian healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed in a pandemic. The high-dose flu vaccine is an option to consider because it offers seniors stronger protection. Getting a pneumonia shot is also recommended to reduce the risk of pneumonia, an important cause of hospital emergency visits.
To breathe easier this fall and winter, it is especially important for older adults to get vaccinated against both the flu and pneumonia for their own health and the health of others.
Health authorities are urging Canadians to get a flu shot this fall to avoid a twindemic, in which large numbers of people become seriously ill, or hospitalized, as influenza and COVID-19 circulate at the same time,* says the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. While the flu shot doesnt directly protect people against COVID-19, its vital for older adults and those with high-risk conditions to protect themselves against the flu since hospitals and other healthcare facilities could become overwhelmed if they need to treat both flu and COVID-19 patients.*
Being vaccinated for the flu could also help reduce unnecessary testing for COVID-19* since many symptoms of both illnessessuch as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffed nose, and muscle achesare similar,* according to Mayo Clinic.
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Who Should Get These Vaccinations
Pneumonia vaccination is not recommended for everyone. The vaccines are primarily used to protect people who are at an increased risk of serious illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends PCV13 for:
- Cochlear implants
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak
Is It The Flu
Common signs of the flu include fever, cough, congestion, body aches and chills.
Sometimes younger children will have vomiting or diarrhea,but typically its more of a respiratory condition, Dr. Sniderman says.Call the doctor right away if your child is not eating or drinking, noturinating, or is acting much more tired or irritable than usual, she advises.
Its especially important to call the doctor when you suspect flu if your child has an underlying medical condition such as asthma or diabetes. Children who have these conditions are at higher risk of developing complications.
Dr. Sniderman recommends getting a flu shot for any child older than 6 months to help head off serious illness.
The best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting the flu vaccine, she says. Even if you get the flu after you get a flu shot, your symptoms wont be as severe and youll be less likely to experience complications such as pneumonia.
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Diagnosis Of Bacterial And Viral Infections
If you believe you have an infection other than the common cold, which is usually not life-threatening, consult your healthcare provider to make the proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
A healthcare provider will use your report of symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination to begin the diagnosis of a respiratory infection. Depending on possible exposures, they may refer you to testing for bacteria or viruses.
Tests that are frequently performed to diagnose respiratory bacterial infections include:
- Rapid strep test: A throat swab is analyzed for strep throat.
- Throat culture: A swab is taken and sent to the lab for culture.
- Sputum culture: Phlegm is collected and sent to the lab for culture.
- Blood culture: Blood is drawn into special bottles and incubated in the lab.
To see if you have a viral respiratory infection, commonly used laboratory tests that are used include:
- Nasal, cheek, or throat swab: This may be used for detection of viral antigens or for viral culture for influenza or COVID-19.
- Blood tests: Blood may be drawn to test for viral antigens or antibodies.
Do I Have To Wait Between Getting The Influenza And Covid
COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered with an influenza vaccine.
Studies show that co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines is safe and produces a good immune response.
The COVID-19 vaccinedoes not protect against theflu, so you should still have your annual flu shot.
Speak with your usual health care provider to see if this is right for you.
With new COVID-19 vaccine developments every day, its normal to have questions or concerns, and possibly feel hesitant about getting a vaccine. That’s why we’re providing accurate, evidence-based answers to questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
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Vaccination Against Flu And Pneumonia During The Covid
Pneumonia and influenza are totally preventable respiratory infections. Nevertheless, thousands of cases are diagnosed every year. This year, in addition, there is another virus that causes respiratory symptoms: COVID-19. To reduce bed occupancy at hospitals and to keep as much of the workforce as active as possible, vaccinating against the flu is considered especially strategic this year.
Stock image from the Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. Photographer Francisco Avia
It is estimated that flu epidemics cause between three and five million cases of serious illness a year, and more than 200,000 deaths from respiratory infection across the world. Multiple studies have shown that vaccinating against influenza, the virus that causes flu, reduces the risk of developing a more serious case of the disease, as well as reducing hospitalisation and the number of admissions to intensive care units.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, between 7% and 11% of coinfections have been recorded in patients with COVID-19, in which the flu virus was one of the most frequent.
Elderly people, especially those who live in assisted living facilities, have been a very vulnerable population during the COVID-10 pandemic, mainly due to the rapid propagation of the virus, which is associated with a high number of deaths. Patients over 80 years who received mechanical ventilation had a mortality rate of 90%, which demonstrates the vulnerability of this population.
When To See A Doctor
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you have an infection and you have experienced:
- An animal or a human bite
- Difficulty breathing
- A cough lasting longer than a week
- Periods of rapid heartbeat
- A rash, especially if it’s accompanied by a fever
- Swelling
- Blurred vision or other difficulty seeing
- Persistent vomiting
- Staying current with recommended vaccinations, including childhood vaccinations, the yearly flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine
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What You Need To Know About Pneumonia And Flu Shots
This article was first published in The Montreal Gazette.
Recently, Oprah got pneumonia. Then she went on Ellen to recommend that everyone get their flu and pneumonia shots. Given that only 42 per cent of Canadians over the age of 65 got the pneumonia vaccine in 2016, maybe Oprah can get us over the 80 per cent target.
Sadly, Oprah has not always been a strong advocate for science. She gave a platform to Jenny McCarthy when she started claiming that vaccines caused her sons autism, and she also introduced the world to Dr. Oz.
But as Oprah explained to Ellen, pneumonia is no joke. Around 1.5 million people are hospitalized with pneumonia every year. Around 100,000 die in hospital and a third of people hospitalized with pneumonia die within the year.
Older patients are at greater risk and so are those with pre-existing lung disease. Smoking is also a risk factor for pneumonia, so if you need an extra incentive to stop smoking, this is it. But the main way to prevent pneumonia is with vaccines.
The problem with the pneumonia vaccine is not one of efficacy. A Cochrane meta-analysis of 18 randomized trials found that the pneumonia vaccine led to a substantial reduction in infections. The problem is which pneumonia vaccine to give people.
And if you wont listen to me, at least listen to Oprah.
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