A flu shot offers the best protection against the influenza virus, which can make you sick for days, or even weeks. McMaster will hold four flu shot clinics for students and employees starting Wednesday, Nov. 14. Bring your health card and student or employee identification.

People of any age can get the flu. Influenza is a serious, acute respiratory illness caused by a virus. Antibiotics cannot treat viral illnesses.

The flu usually lasts for several days to weeks, but it can develop into complications. It is much worse than a cold and even healthy young people can become quite ill. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, dry cough, muscle aches, weakness and fatigue.

Influenza can be prevented with an annual flu vaccination. Healthy people should be vaccinated to protect themselves and their families.

The flu is easily spread by respiratory droplets from infected persons through coughing, sneezing or talking. It is also spread through direct contact with surfaces contaminated by the virus such as phones, door handles and unwashed hands.

Students are vulnerable to infection because they spend so much time in close proximity to others in class, on the bus, living in residence or other student housing.

Like any medication, the influenza vaccine is capable of causing side effects, but most people who get the flu vaccine have no serious complications. The most likely side effect is soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine because it does not contain a live virus.

You should not receive the influenza vaccine if you have any of the following: