Tips for You to Avoid the Flu

As winter approaches, it’s getting that time of year again when many people are getting coughs, sore throats, headaches and stuffed up. While there is no definite cure for colds and the flu, there are some things you can do to help guard yourself against those pesky germs that are easily passed around.

1.   Wash Your Hands
Studies show hands are the single most important transmission routes for all types of infections. If someone who has the flu sneezes onto their hands, and then touches the doorknob, you can pick up those germs several hours later as you open the door. So wash your hands often with the soap and water. As well make a conscientious effort of not letting your hands touch your face or mouth area.

2.   Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes
To help stop the spread of germs, cover your coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover your cough, or cough or sneeze into the crook our of your arm if you don’t have a tissue. Remember to clean your hands with soap and water after you sneeze or cough.

3.   Eat Well
Follow the Canada’s Food Guide to ensure you get enough nutrients to allow your body to be as healthy as possible. Don’t forget to quench your thirst with water. Your body and needs water to work properly.

4.   Be Active
The benefits of being active are insurmountable. Being active boosts your immune system, helping you fight illnesses. Physical activity can also reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, strokes, diabetes, cancer, depression, hypertension, osteoporosis, stress and some respiratory conditions.

5.   Be Smoke Free
Statistics show that heavy smokers get more severe colds and more frequent ones. Even being around smoke profoundly zaps the immune system.

6.   Get the Flu Shot
1 in 6 people may get the flu this winter. This flu virus causes tiredness, headaches, high fevers, and aching muscles. It reduces the body’s ability to fight off other infections. For the general population, the flu can have an impact on our family and school or work life. For the very young children, people over 65 and others with medical conditions, the flu can cause serious health complications.

Western Health recommends the influenza vaccine for individuals in the following high-risk groups:

  - All children aged 6 to 23 months
  - All people aged 65 years and older
  - Residents of personal care homes and long term care
  - Health Care Workers
  - Essential service workers (ex: police, ambulance, firefighters)
  - Adults and children with chronic illness
  - Household contacts of persons with chronic illness
  - Pregnant women
  - Poultry Workers

If you fall in the high-risk group and would like an appointment to receive your flu vaccine or for more information, contact your local Community Health office.

For more information visit the following Web sites:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dc-ma/influenza/index-eng.php

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/en/

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/2007/winter-eng.html


This article was submitted by Julia Young RN BN, the public health nurse for Corner Brook Regional High School.