Cold & Flu Season: Understanding the immune system and Different Vaccine Options
In this article we will revisit what the Immune System is, as defined in the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation and also walk you through the three key winter viruses and the effective vaccines that exist to help build our immunity.
Source: Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, “How to Protect Yourself this Cough & Cold Season”
What is the Immune System?
According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, the immune system refers to a collection of cells, chemicals and processes that function to protect the skin, airways, gut and other areas from foreign organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites, viruses, cancer cells, and toxins. The immune system protects our bodies from “invaders” in order to keep us healthy.
When our immune system is weakened, those foreign invaders can attack our body and cause sicknesses like a cold or flu.
What caused our Immune System to Weaken?
The key contributors to a weakened immune system, according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation are:
Medications – certain drugs that treat cancer, inflammation, or prevent illness after transplant are known as immunosuppressants, due to immune system suppression
Nutrient deficiencies – lacking important vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D deficiency have been linked to lower immune activity
Diseases – cancer, HIV, or chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease which can lead to a weakened immune system
Pregnancy – during pregnancy, the mother’s immune system weakens to prevent it from rejecting or “attacking” the growing baby
Stress – while commonly thought of as a purely emotional or mental condition, stress can significantly impact the health of the body and can lead to a weakened immune system, and illness.
According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation there may be other signs and contributors of a weakened immune system, such as feeling ill and experiencing other illness symptoms for a prolonged period of time. But what is key, is to focus on preventing infections and other viruses, as we try to heal our immune system, where possible.
Key steps we can take, according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation are following a healthy diet and taking probiotics and vitamins. Ensuing adequate protein intake, vitamin A, zinc and ensuring gut health is addressed through diet or probiotic supplements are some of the most imporatnt things we can do, according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. For their full article click here.
Common Viruses and Vaccines
Vaccines are also an important component of boosting our immune system, especially amongst the vulnerable population. Below, we have summarized the key viruses and the corresponding vaccines available in Canada to help prevent against these viruses.
Flu (Influenza) Vaccination:
According to the Government of Canada, the flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu, recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older, ideally before flu season begins. It helps prevent serious complications, reduces the risk of simultaneous infections with other respiratory illnesses, and supports the healthcare system by preventing overload. Additionally, getting vaccinated reduces the likelihood of spreading the flu to others, helping protect those around you. The flu vaccination is often available in the fall at local pharmacies and clinics across Canada, and it is usually covered by provincial health programs.
Did you know you can receive both the COVID-19 booster shot and the Flu shot at the same time? Visit your local Shoppers Drug Mart location or other drug stores to book your vaccine appointment. They also offer an online option for booking your vaccine shots - click here to make an online appointment.
Pneumococcal Vaccine:
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)—including pneumococcal pneumonia and pneumococcal meningitis—is a major cause of illness and death worldwide. The disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, of which 100 different serotypes have been identified, with a smaller subset of serotypes causing the majority of illness in Canada (Source: Immunize Canada: Pocket Guide for Immunizers: Pneumococcal Vaccination). According to data listed in the Pocket Guide for Immunizers, IPD is most common among the very young (children under the age of 5), in older adults (over the age of 65), and in those with underlying medical conditions (of any age).
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: conjugate and polysaccharide. Each vaccine protects against defined and specific pneumococcal serotypes. The conjugate vaccine PNEU-C-20 has been recommended for use in adults aged 18+, but has not yet been authorized for use in pediatric populations. Source: Immunize Canada: Pocket Guide for Immunizers: Pneumococcal Vaccination
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (‘RSV’) Vaccine:
According to the Ontario Ministry of Health, RSV is a common virus that causes respiratory illness, affecting both the upper and lower parts of the respiratory system. It spreads through respiratory droplets, such as from coughing or sneezing. While RSV typically results in mild, cold-like symptoms, certain groups—such as children under two, older adults, and those with heart or respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for severe illness and complications.
Two vaccinations, AREXVY and ABRYSVO, were recently licensed in Canada for individuals aged 60 and up, particularly those with underlying health issues. The RSV vaccination is delivered before or during the RSV season, which typically begins in late fall and lasts until early spring.
Practical Tips to Keep Healthy
Washing hands, using a humidifier and wearing masks are some simple, but key ways to keep healthy, especially if we are surrounded by other people that may have symptoms of the cold and flu. A good night's sleep as well as eating whole foods and moving the body can further boost our immune system and can truly be the first steps to a healthier body.
We hope these tips will help you stay healthy, happy and active this winter season!
