CREDIT: GPOINTSTUDIO / THINKSTOCK
The flu can leave you sick in bed for days or even weeks. Help prevent the spread of the virus and protect yourself with a vaccine available for free on campus.

The government of Ontario announced their annual recommendation for the flu immunization, calling the vaccine the “best protection against the flu virus”, according to a press release.

The immunization will be available for Ontarians at almost 2,500 locations throughout the province, including Fanshawe College. The vaccine will be available in Alumni Lounge in SC2013 on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The press release added that this year's immunization protects from four different strains of the virus as opposed to the typical three.

Symptoms of the influenza virus, or more commonly called the flu, are fever, cough or sore throat, tiredness, and sometimes even vomiting and diarrhea. The flu can even lead to death in some cases.

Dr. Rick Chen, a resident at Fanshawe's clinic, said it is important for students to get the flu vaccine because it is so easy for them to catch it on campus.

“Students are in contact and in close proximity with each other, especially in classrooms and social activities, so it's very easy for the transmission of the flu to occur.”

Thanks to the Ontario Universal Influenza Immunization Program, the flu shot is free for Ontarians. The shot is completely voluntary, but it is highly recommended that all Ontarians get it. Chen added that there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the flu vaccine and that Ontarians should not let that prevent them from getting immunized.

“The flu vaccine is free, easy to get and the best way to stay healthy this flu season,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, the minister of health and long-term care in a press release.

The populations most at risk from the virus are children under five, pregnant women, seniors and people with underlying health conditions.

The press release added that it can take up to two weeks for the vaccination to take effect, so the sooner you get the vaccine the better.

The flu immunization does not protect from all strains of the virus, but many agree that it is better than nothing.

“Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting or giving the flu to those around you,” said Dr. David Williams, Ontario's acting chief medical officer of health.

Chen added that you're not only protecting yourself when you get the vaccine, but you're also protecting those around you.

Because the immunization does not protect against all strains of the virus, the government of Ontario recommends doing more than just getting the shot. Williams urges Ontarians to practice proper hand-washing techniques, using sanitizer, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve and staying home when you're sick.