Holiday music, fireplaces, hot chocolate, and cold, wet weather. Tis the season – the flu season. When we gather in crowded shopping malls, mingle at holiday parties, and just stay inside for warmth, we are giving viruses the chance to multiply.
The flu is a respiratory infection that is much more severe than the common cold. Symptoms include headaches, chills, coughing, fever, muscle ache, fatigue, sneezing and runny nose, loss of appetite, and sometimes vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. According to The Public Health Agency of Canada, children, seniors, and those with chronic health concerns are particularly at risk for complications from the flu, which can become fatal.
It is important to avoid contributing to the spread of the flu. To combat the flu, follow these tips:
1. Frequent Handwashing
- About 80% of infectious diseases are spread through the hands, therefore handwashing is a very effective way to prevent the spread of these illnesses.
- See our blog on National Handwashing Awareness Week for proper handwashing technique.
2. Cover your Coughing and Shield your Sneezing
- Use your arm or a tissue to cough and sneeze into. Throw out used tissues.
- Do not touch your face, or anyone else, until you wash your hands.
3. Get the Flu Shot
- The flu shot is the best way to protect against the flu.
- Contrary to rumor, the flu shot cannot give you the flu.
- Getting the vaccine will provide protection for 6 months (that’s why you need a new one every winter).
- There are far more risks associated with the flu itself than with the flu shot.
4. Keep Common Surfaces Clean
- As well as being transmitted through human contact, the flu virus can live on touch-points for 2 – 8 hours, lying in wait for the next person to pick it up.
- Common surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis during flu season to reduce the rate of infection.
5. Stay at Home if You’re Sick
- Help prevent the spread of the flu by staying at home if you feel sick.
- Do not go to school, work, or crowded places where you can transmit the virus to others.
- Keep your personal items separate from others in your household to minimize their risk.
>>>Contact us today to find out how we can keep your environment clean and healthy throughout the flu season.
