Prince George, B.C. – Don’t forget to get your flu shot.

That was the message today from Northern Health as we head into this year’s influenza season.

Dr. Sandra Allison, Northern Health’s Chief Medical Officer, says the decision to forego the shot can be fatal.

“Each year in Canada, hundreds of people die from influenza or complications, such as pneumonia,” she says. “You can spread the influenza virus to others before you even show any symptoms.”

She says those symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, tiredness and runny nose.

Over the past few years, Allison estimates there have been well over 150 cases of influenza each year in the Northern Health region, though the actual number is likely much higher.

“Those really do just represent the tip of the iceberg because those are only the positive tests,” she says. “There are a number of people who are sick throughout the year that don’t seek medical care or testing.”

Kathryn Germuth, Northern Health’s Public Health’s Communications Nurse Liaison, notes the following groups qualify for a free vaccination:

Children from the age of six months to five years old, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, aboriginal people, and those with chronic health conditions.

For Prince George residents, free flu clinics will take place at the Northern Interior Health Unit from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m on November 4th and November 6th.

A full listing of flu clinics around the region can be found by clicking here.