ItB次元官网网址檚 that time of year again B次元官网网址� flu season.

You can now get your vaccination at pharmacies and clinics throughout Greater Victoria.

Dr. Geoff McKee, Island HealthB次元官网网址檚 resident medical health officer, said the health authority will see a rising number of flu cases through fall, winter and early spring.

B次元官网网址淲e often see an increase at this time of the year as the weather changes,B次元官网网址� McKee said. B次元官网网址淲e have more people in closer quarters indoors and we have more chances for respiratory viruses to spread. We are just early in the season so at this time it is unclear exactly which strains are spreading.B次元官网网址�

While it isnB次元官网网址檛 clear quite yet which strains are hitting, Health Link B.C. said the 2017-18 trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines contain A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus, B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus, and B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (in quadrivalent vaccines only). McKee added they typically see the A strain this time of year and strains included in the flu shot are based on what strains are being seen around the world.

As season approaches, be mindful not to spread bugs. Tips for staying healthy:

B次元官网网址� Island Health (@VanIslandHealth)

McKee noted there are preventative ways to use to help reduce your chance of getting the flu or spreading it.

B次元官网网址淢aking sure that you wash your hands,B次元官网网址� he explained. B次元官网网址淎lso importantly, getting your flu shot which comes out in October. They are starting to be sent out to family physicians offices, public health units as well as pharmacies.B次元官网网址�

While there are myths that the flu vaccine can make you sick, McKee said the shot itself is actually very safe.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an inactivated virus so itB次元官网网址檚 actually not going to cause the flu,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淧eople can sometimes have a little reaction to the flu vaccine or any vaccine in general which is often very mild. ItB次元官网网址檚 a very safe vaccine. It isnB次元官网网址檛 100 per cent effective but it is one of our best tools to prevent influenza.B次元官网网址�

To find out if you are eligible for a free flu shot, visit .

To find the location nearest you, visit for a locator tool. You can also call your local pharmacy or doctors office to find out if they are distributing the vaccine.

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