Everything to Know About Flu Vaccinations: Interview with nurse Sr Valerie Kruger

The influenza virus is spreading across the country and it is important to protect ourselves against it. We are in peak circulating season. As long as the flu is still circulating it isn’t too late to get the vaccine. Those who are at risk of influenza are highly encouraged to get the vaccine. Those at risk can include young children, older individuals, and people with other underlying medical conditions (i.e. heart diseases). Most people should recover from influenza within a week. You may think you know the basics of the flu and its vaccine but hear more from a nurse at Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre, Sr Valerie Kruger, to learn more.

Sr Valerie Kruger was helpful in helping us understand the implications of the flu and its vaccine and why we need to keep each other safe. In our conversation we talked about how exactly does the flu vaccine effect people in high risk groups, what the most common side effects are of the vaccine and how does it effect a person, as well as how it effects those with underlying medical conditions.

Sr Valerie Kruger explains that flu vaccine side effects can include fever, headaches, and vomiting. The vaccine isn't a sort of heal all solution once you get it once. You can still get the flu considering the fact that there are multiple strains of the flu. The vaccine is available at public facilities that you can walk into and Sr Valerie emphasizes for everyone to do as much as they can do to protect themselves. 

Keep yourself safe and informed.