Uniprix | Your pharmacist, an ally in opposition to the flu

For a wholesome individual, the flu (or influenza) may be very inconvenient, however it’s usually innocent. In case your well being or that of a liked one is extra fragile, the problems of the seasonal flu may be way more severe. That is why it is essential to take preventive motion within the fall, as defined by Marie-Yseult Laurin, pharmacist-owner affiliated with Uniprix within the Ahuntsic district of Montreal.

Influenza vaccination: to do yearly!

The flu represents an elevated danger, amongst others, for individuals over 75, pregnant girls, sufferers with a compromised immune system or these dwelling with a continual respiratory or cardiac illness*. “For these populations in danger and their family members, you will need to defend themselves by getting vaccinated in opposition to the flu yearly,” remembers Marie-Yseult Laurin, pharmacist-owner. The pharmacist and her crew are very busy within the fall once they assist individuals acquire flu safety in an effort to keep away from severe problems.

Complementary vaccination

The flu vaccination interval can also be a chance for the household pharmacist to make sure that the affected person is nicely protected on all fronts. He can, for instance, be sure that the affected person over 50 has obtained a vaccination in opposition to pneumococcal infections. As COVID-19 continues to characterize a danger for the inhabitants, he may full this vaccination protection, in line with the optimum schedule and the variety of doses already obtained.

An accessible and protected place

For an older clientele, it’s reassuring to acquire anti-influenza safety from a pharmacy. “It is a spot that sufferers know, the place they really feel much less susceptible to contracting a virus, and the connection of belief with the employees is already established,” says Marie-Yseult Laurin, pharmacist-owner. She factors out that these sufferers typically come to select up their flu vaccine and on the similar time accumulate their prescriptions, which have been ready and put aside for them.

Remedy your flu

And if regardless of every thing the flu invitations itself to the home? Though a variety of over-the-counter drugs can be found to alleviate signs, it’s at all times really helpful to debate them along with your pharmacist. “We test for drug interactions and contraindications,” explains the pharmacist-owner affiliated with Uniprix. Combining over-the-counter drugs will increase the danger of acetaminophen overdose as a result of many merchandise comprise it. This duplication can have severe well being penalties. » It is strongly recommended that you just learn the packaging rigorously to test whether or not over-the-counter drugs comprise comparable or equivalent components. Relying on the scenario, the pharmacist also can modify the affected person’s present remedy and even prescribe antiviral medicine to keep away from problems from influenza.

defend others

With regards to well being, it’s important to assume neighborhood, as Marie-Yseult Laurin, pharmacist-owner, reminds us. “Let’s take into consideration our safety, but additionally that of our dad and mom, our household,” she mentioned. Let’s consider the individuals round us who may want a serving to hand to profit from the vaccination marketing campaign. » Different suggestions and recipes to get out of the flu season unscathed? “The same old respiratory hygiene measures, concludes the pharmacist. Hand washing and carrying a masks if in case you have signs. »

The knowledge on this article is offered strictly for informational functions and isn’t supposed to supply full data on the subjects lined or to switch the recommendation of a healthcare skilled.

The pharmacist-owners affiliated with Uniprix are solely chargeable for the apply of pharmacy. Sure circumstances apply; talk about this along with your pharmacist.

^{* Non-exhaustive listing; always, seek the advice of your pharmacist.}