The flu season is creeping upon us, and it is time to think of protecting yourself and others. Getting the flu shot not only benefits you in avoiding getting very ill, but also the infants and seniors you encounter in your home, the grocery store, or even just in passing. Influenza is a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization, and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and even healthy people can contract the flu and spread it to others around them.

Here are some ways you can protect yourself from getting the flu:

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start 1 to 4 days after exposure to the virus. In most adults, the flu lasts 2 to 10 days. It sometimes lasts longer for the elderly, children and people with chronic illnesses.

You may have the flu if you experience:

• fever
• chills
• cough
• runny eyes
• stuffy nose
• sore throat
• headache
• muscle aches
• extreme weakness and tiredness
• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

If you get the flu:
If infected, be sure to:

• stay home and get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluids
• avoid drinks with caffeine
• take basic pain or fever relievers but do not give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to children or teenagers under the age of 18
• treat muscle pain using a hot water bottle or heating pad — apply heat for short periods of time
• take a warm bath
• gargle with a glass of warm salt water or suck on hard candy or lozenges
• use spray or saline drops for a stuffy nose
• avoid alcohol and tobacco

Call your doctor or health care provider if:

• you don’t start to feel better after a few days
• your symptoms get worse
• you are in a high-risk group and develop flu symptoms

Anyone can get the flu, protect yourself today.

Here is a list of clinics in Hamilton where you can get your flu shot:

St. Joseph's Outpatient Pharmacy
50 Charlton Ave E, Hamilton

Prism's Pharmacy Ltd.
155 James St. S, Hamilton

Sutherland's Pharmacy Limited
180 James Street South, Hamilton

First Place Pharmacy
350 King St E, Hamilton

Trc Pharmacy 
14 John Street North, Hamilton

Rexall Pharma Plus
2 King St W, Hamilton

City Centre Ida Pharmacy
77 James St N, Hamilton

Shoppers Drug Mart
113 Herkimer Street, Hamilton

Pharma Plus
447 Main Street East, Hamilton

Main Health Pharmacy
460 Main Street East, Hamilton

Shoppers Drug Mart
232 Cannon Street East, Hamilton

Pharma Plus
447 Main St E, Hamilton

Shoppers Drug Mart
661 Upper James St, Hamilton 

Cancer Centre Pharmacy
699 Concession Street, Hamilton 

Wal-mart Pharmacy
675 Upper James St. Hamilton