Flu is the short form for influenza. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. You may experience symptoms much like having a common cold, but flu symptoms are far more serious. They include fever, head/body aches and pains, weakness, sneezing, sore throat, cough and sniffles.

October is Influenza Immunization Awareness Month - the time to start thinking about getting your flu shot. Influenza season generally starts in November and it may carry through until April. Although it is best to get your flu shot before the flu season starts, it's never too late.

It is best to call your doctor to set up an appointment in advance.

We have prepared a handout with information about influenza that answers general questions you may have:

• What is the flu?
• What is the difference between the flu and the common cold?
• Can the flu cause serious illness?
• Who can get the flu?
• High-risk groups.
• Can I protect myself from the flu?
• Does the influenza vaccine work?
• Who should NOT get a flu shot?
• Does the influenza vaccine have any side effects?
• When do I get a flu shot?
• Where can I get the vaccine for influenza?
• How much will I have to pay for the vaccine?

Download our Influenza handout in PDF format (170KB).

If you are a regular patient of a physician at the Albany Medical Clinic call us at (416) 461-9471 to ensure that the clinic has received the vaccine from the government supply.

• You may show up at the clinic:
  
  • Monday to Friday - 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday - 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Report to your physician's receptionist to guide you to getting your vaccine.
• For the office hours of our general practitioners (GP) visit our GP Directory.

If you are not a regular patient of the Albany Medical Clinic, you can still get your vaccine here - call us at (416) 461-9471 to ensure that the clinic has received the vaccine from the government supply.

• When you arrive at our clinic, report to our registration desk and identify that you are here for the flu shot but not a current patient.
  
  • Monday to Wednesday - 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. to
    5:00 p.m.
• You will then go to our nursing station where you will be screened and vaccinated.

For more information about influenza visit these websites:

• Protect Yourself From The Seasonal Flu - Public Health - City of Toronto
• Flu and Cold - HealthyOntario.com
• Influenza (Flu) - Infectious diseases - The Lung Association
• This year it's a different flu season - Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
  
• Influenza - Health Canada
• Influenza - FluWatch Reports - FightFlu.ca (H1N1) - Public Health Agency of Canada

Websites listed above do not imply an endorsement by us. Click here to read our website's Terms of Use.