Influenza
Influenza Vaccine for Travel
What is Influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, particularly the mouth, nose, or eyes can also contribute to the transmission of the influenza virus
How to Prevent Influenza?
Prevention of Influenza includes:
- hand hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water
- respiratory etiquette, such as covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing,
- avoid close contact with individuals who are sick
- avoid touching your face
Stay informed of influenza activity and follow recommendations from local health authorities.
Is Influenza Vaccine Necessary?
Vaccination is considered the most effective way to prevent contracting influenza. Vaccination is highly effective in reducing the risk of contracting the flu and its complications, such as severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. The vaccine is formulated each year to target the specific strains of the influenza virus that are expected to circulate during flu season.
By getting vaccinated annually, you can boost your immune system’s ability to recognize and fight these specific strains. If you are travelling to a region where flu activity is high or during the flu season, it is recommended to get the influenza vaccine before your travels. This is particularly important if you will be in close contact with a large number of people, such as event gatherings and crowded transportations.
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.
Is Influenza Serious Disease?
Symptoms of Influenza include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough (usually dry)
- Sore throat
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Muscles or body aches
- Headache
- Congestion or runny nose
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Influenza symptoms can vary in severity and may overlap with symptoms of other respiratory illnesses. If you experience flu-like symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and/or appropriate treatment.
Available travel vaccinations and medications
We offer the following travel vaccinations and medications:
- Tick-borne Encephalitis
What Our Customers Are Saying
Brought to you by a team of trusted healthcare professionals
We know how hard it can be for Canadians to get the healthcare they need, when they need it. That’s why Rockdoc is on a mission to help Canadians navigate healthcare. We have decades of experience providing emergent, urgent, and continuing healthcare services and solutions – meeting and exceeding the standard of care for our patients and our communities.
Dr. Sam Gutman
Dr. Shaan Pawa
Associate Medical Director
MD CCFP-EM CTH®
Kristyna Sorensen
Medical Operations Manager
RN, BSN
Contact Us
Do you have questions about Virtual Travel Clinic? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions here, or chat with one of our friendly Customer Success representatives.
Customer Success Hours:
8:00AM – 9:00PM EST (Monday – Friday)
11:00AM – 9:00PM EST (Saturday – Sunday)
