Manitoba Health

The flu is here. Influenza is generally spread by sneezing and coughing and direct physical contact.  Symptoms may include fever and chills, cough, headaches, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat and exhaustion.  It is important to cover your cough, wash your hands and avoid contact with others if you think you might have the flu.

To protect yourself and your friends and family from contracting the flu, Manitoba Health is encouraging all Manitobans to get the flu shot. Flu shots are currently available at doctor’s offices, walk-in clinics, ACCESS Centres, QuickCare clinics or local health clinics.

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
• Residents of personal care homes or long-term care facilities
• Children age six months to five years
• Those with chronic illness
• Pregnant women
• Health care workers and first responders
• Individuals of Aboriginal ancestry
• People who are severely overweight or obese
• or as determined by your primary health care provider

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.

If you have any questions about seasonal flu or pneumococcal immunization:

Speak with a health care provider or call Health Links-Info Santé at:

204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free 1-888-315-9257