Influenza season will be starting soon. Your Joint Health and Safety Committee has put together some tips for you to make sure you follow Public Health regulations.
It is important to remember that anybody can catch the flu – and the best way to protect yourself, your clients and your family members is to learn about the virus, recognize symptoms and take steps to protect the health of our community.
By staying alert and following the steps outlined below, you can help to reduce the spread of both seasonal influenza and COVID-19.
Get the Flu Shot
Getting the annual flu shot is your best defense against seasonal influenza. The flu shot is recommended for everyone who is 6 months or older. The flu vaccine typically becomes available starting in mid-October and is administered free of charge. The flu vaccine is:
- Safe (including for children or for Mothers who may be pregnant or breastfeeding)
- Proven to reduce the number of doctor visits and hospitalizations related to influenza each year
- Different each year, as flu strains very year over year – which is why you need to be vaccinated each year
- Available through your family physician
- Available through your local Public Health Unit
- Available through drug stores such as Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall
- You can follow this link to sign up for a Flu Shot Reminder from Shoppers Drug Mart – and they will email you as soon as the vaccine is available at your nearby store.
Additional measures to reduce the spread of seasonal influenza and COVID-19 include:
- Good hand hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing with soap and warm water or use of an alcohol based hand sanitizer
- Avoid handling soiled tissues or objects that have been used by another person
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (face masks, gloves, face shield or goggles)
- Adhere to social distancing guidelines of 2 meters
- Stay at home if you are sick and reporting any symptoms