Pregnant? Protect yourself and your baby. Get the flu vaccine
We're still in the thick of the flu season, Hamilton. Here are some of the common questions our healthcare experts hear from patients and visitors at St. Joe's.
- Can I get a flu shot if I am pregnant?
Yes. Flu shots are strongly recommended for pregnant women as we know that they can protect both mom and baby who are at higher risk for complications from flu than the average person.
— Dr. Maureen E. Cividino, St. Joe’s Occupational Physician
- Should I still get my flu shot now?
Yes. We are still in the midst of heavy flu transmission, and it’s not too late. It takes 10 days for the flu shot to boost our immunity, but the flu is likely to last another 2 months.
— Dr. Marek Smieja, , St. Joe's Microbiologist & Infectious Diseases Physician
- Does the flu shot work this year?
Yes, somewhat. The flu shot contains at least 3 strains, including 2 for Influenza-A and 1 for Influenza B. Right now, we are experiencing heaving flu-A and flu-B activity. Canadian researchers have shown that this year’s flu shot is only 20% effective for flu-A, but 55% effective for flu-B. Together these average to 40% effective, which is suboptimal but better than doing nothing.
— Dr. Marek Smieja, St. Joe's Microbiologist & Infectious Diseases Physician
- What about anti-virals like Tamiflu?
Anti-virals are an essential part of responding to hospital outbreaks, and may be prescribed to patients and at-risk staff. Anti-virals, together with vaccination, hand-washing, covering your cough, and not working while ill are extremely effective in stopping outbreaks. These help us provide a safe working environment for staff and also a safer place for patients.
— Dr. Marek Smieja, St. Joe's Microbiologist & Infectious Diseases Physician
Help Prevent the Flu:
- Get your flu shot — it’s the best way to prevent the flu! For those in the Hamilton area, click here to find a clinic.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after exposure to anyone who has fever, runny nose, coughing, difficulty breathing or is sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Know Your Healthcare Options if You Have Flu Like Symptoms:
- Make an appointment with your family doctor — for symptoms that can wait (which applies to most of us with a flu or common cold)
- Visit an urgent care centre — for symptoms that aren’t emergencies, but can’t wait to be seen by your family doctor. To find an urgent care centre in your area, click here.
- Go to your nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1 — for life-threatening illness or injury
- Call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) if you're not sure whether or not you need to see a medical professional.
To protect our patients from the flu, St. Joe’s is asking visitors to:
- Not visit a loved one who is a patient if you have flu-like symptoms. Do not visit the hospital if you are sick.
- Only visit one patient per visit. Do not walk between different units.
- Use the hand sanitizer pumps when entering and leaving the hospital, and when entering and leaving a patient’s room.
If you are looking for more information about managing the flu or the flu in Hamilton, visit our healthare partner page, BeAFluFighter.ca.
Should you get your flu vaccination this year? The answer is 'Yes'!
“Getting the flu vaccination will help protect everyone around you from the potential of getting influenza,” states Dr. Maureen Cividino, Occupational Health Physician, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. “Influenza can cause serious illness in healthy individuals and complications including pneumonia and death in infants, small children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.”
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is providing staff, physicians, learners and volunteers with the opportunity to get their flu vaccination at each of our three Campuses. Contact the St. Joe's Employee Health Office for available times and locations to get your flu shot - 905.522.1155 Ext. 33344.
You can too!
Did you know that members of the community can get the flu vaccination at one of your local pharmacies or flu shot clinic throughout Hamilton? Click here to learn more and find a location closest to you.
Get the fast facts
Click on the video below to get the fast facts about the flu from Dr. Marek Smieja, Microbiologist and Infectious Diseases Physician, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.