Types of Seasonal Influenza and How to Protect Against Them

The first and most important step to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated annually against influenza. Vaccination reduces the burden of illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to flu on the healthcare system. This information is provided by the Ministry of Health.

This season, all flu vaccines are designed to protect against four strains of influenza that research shows are likely to be the most prevalent. Every person aged 6 months and older needs to be vaccinated against influenza. Children, pregnant women, individuals with certain chronic illnesses (asthma, diabetes, heart and lung diseases), and those aged 65 and older are considered high-risk groups for flu.

Although vaccination against influenza is the best form of protection, there are also several other easier actions you can take in addition to vaccinations that will help stop the spread of flu, such as staying home when sick and frequent handwashing. If you have contracted the flu, talk to your doctor about antiviral medications to treat the illness, especially if you are in a high-risk group.