Flu season is quickly approaching! To protect yourself, your family and your community from the flu, a proactive approach is best. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has a number of tips for preventing the flu, including:
- Get the flu shot. Review common questions and concerns and watch the video here.
- Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often
- Keep an alcohol based hand sanitizer handy. It needs to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue out.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected.
Not sure if you have the flu? Look out for the following signs and symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Runny eyes
- Stuffy Nose
- Sore Throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Extreme weakness and fatigue.
Use the Flu Assessment Tool to determine whether you have the flu.
Seniors are particularly susceptible to complications of the flu. They, and their families, are highly encouraged to get the flu shot. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it is best not to make any visits to retirement homes or long term care facilities.
To learn more, visit the Ministry of Health website, FightFlu.ca, or your local public health unit.