DO GET THE FLU SHOT.
The most effective way to protect yourself--and those around you--from seasonal influenza is to get vaccinated every year. the flu shot is composed of inactivated (a. k.a. dead) viruses, which means it cannot make you sick. Unlike other vaccines that offer long-term protection with just one injection, the flu shot is reformulated each year to protect Canadians against that particular season's prevailing virus strains, which may very well differ from those of previous years, so it is especially important to be immunized annually. Health Canada recommends that you receive the vaccine in October or November, however, if you missed that window this year, it is not too late. the flu shot still offers preventative benefits even this far into the season.
DON'T COVER YOUR MOUTH OR NOSE WITH YOUR HANDS WHEN COUGHING OR SNEEZING.
Yes, you read that correctly: don't use your hands. instead, cover your face with a tissue or turn into the elbow of your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. the viruses that cause the common cold and flu live in the saliva and mucus of your nose and throat. A sneeze or cough expels droplets of that matter into the air, exposing those around you to your infectious germs.
DO WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY.
An estimated 80 percent of common infectious diseases, such as the cold and flu, are spread by touch. in the latter's case, those germ-riddled droplets from a sneeze or cough can live on surfaces (including your hands) for up to 72 hours. transmission can occur directly (e. g. a handshake) or indirectly: you unknowingly come into contact with a contaminated surface and then touch your face, where germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose or mouth. it should come as no surprise then that proper and regular hand-washing is the best way to stop the spread of infectious diseases of all kinds. the mechanical act of rubbing your hands together with soap and water breaks up dirt and grease and sends it down the drain along with the pesky bugs that cling to it. (For proper hand-washing how-to, see "Hand-Washing 101".)
DON'T ASSUME YOU'RE FLU-FREE JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE SYMPTOM-FREE.
During flu season, it is still important to take proper preventative measures to protect yourself and others even when you are feeling healthy as it is possible to spread the virus a full day prior to the appearance of symptoms. Adults continue to be contagious for up to seven days after becoming ill, and children, even longer.
DO STAY HOME WHEN YOU'RE SICK.
Do those around you a favour and steer clear of work and/or school when you're sick with the cold or flu. Not only will you be protecting others from suffering your ill fate, but you'll also help speed your own recovery by staying home to rest.
DON'T BEG FOR ANTIBIOTICS FROM YOUR DOCTOR.
Antibiotics are effective in the treatment of bacterial infections. the common cold and flu, on the other hand, along with some ear infections, most sore throats and bronchitis, are caused by viruses. Antibiotics will have absolutely no effect on these illnesses. in fact, taking them for viral infections may do more harm than good. According to the Centers for disease Control and prevention (CdC), antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most pressing health problems. Widespread overuse of antibiotics is fueling an increase in resistant bacteria, which are more difficult and expensive to treat.
DO CARRY AN ALCOHOL-BASED HAND SANITIZER.
Let's face it: there's not always a sink handy when you need it most (e. g. after a crowded subway ride in mid-January, post-Christmas-shopping at the mall). in those situations, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the next best thing. Make sure your hands are dry, as moisture can dilute the product, and that you apply enough of it to cover your hands and fingers completely, about three millilitres. rub your hands together until the product has evaporated. keep in mind, however, that the alcohol kills both good and bad bacteria, so use it sparingly. Also, sanitizer will not work properly if your hands are visibly dirty. in that case, it's best to wash with soap and water.
The most effective way to protect yourself--and those around you--from seasonal influenza is to get vaccinated every year. the flu shot is composed of inactivated (a. k.a. dead) viruses, which means it cannot make you sick. Unlike other vaccines that offer long-term protection with just one injection, the flu shot is reformulated each year to protect Canadians against that particular season's prevailing virus strains, which may very well differ from those of previous years, so it is especially important to be immunized annually. Health Canada recommends that you receive the vaccine in October or November, however, if you missed that window this year, it is not too late. the flu shot still offers preventative benefits even this far into the season.
DON'T COVER YOUR MOUTH OR NOSE WITH YOUR HANDS WHEN COUGHING OR SNEEZING.
Yes, you read that correctly: don't use your hands. instead, cover your face with a tissue or turn into the elbow of your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. the viruses that cause the common cold and flu live in the saliva and mucus of your nose and throat. A sneeze or cough expels droplets of that matter into the air, exposing those around you to your infectious germs.
DO WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY.
An estimated 80 percent of common infectious diseases, such as the cold and flu, are spread by touch. in the latter's case, those germ-riddled droplets from a sneeze or cough can live on surfaces (including your hands) for up to 72 hours. transmission can occur directly (e. g. a handshake) or indirectly: you unknowingly come into contact with a contaminated surface and then touch your face, where germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose or mouth. it should come as no surprise then that proper and regular hand-washing is the best way to stop the spread of infectious diseases of all kinds. the mechanical act of rubbing your hands together with soap and water breaks up dirt and grease and sends it down the drain along with the pesky bugs that cling to it. (For proper hand-washing how-to, see "Hand-Washing 101".)
DON'T ASSUME YOU'RE FLU-FREE JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE SYMPTOM-FREE.
During flu season, it is still important to take proper preventative measures to protect yourself and others even when you are feeling healthy as it is possible to spread the virus a full day prior to the appearance of symptoms. Adults continue to be contagious for up to seven days after becoming ill, and children, even longer.
DO STAY HOME WHEN YOU'RE SICK.
Do those around you a favour and steer clear of work and/or school when you're sick with the cold or flu. Not only will you be protecting others from suffering your ill fate, but you'll also help speed your own recovery by staying home to rest.
DON'T BEG FOR ANTIBIOTICS FROM YOUR DOCTOR.
Antibiotics are effective in the treatment of bacterial infections. the common cold and flu, on the other hand, along with some ear infections, most sore throats and bronchitis, are caused by viruses. Antibiotics will have absolutely no effect on these illnesses. in fact, taking them for viral infections may do more harm than good. According to the Centers for disease Control and prevention (CdC), antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most pressing health problems. Widespread overuse of antibiotics is fueling an increase in resistant bacteria, which are more difficult and expensive to treat.
DO CARRY AN ALCOHOL-BASED HAND SANITIZER.
Let's face it: there's not always a sink handy when you need it most (e. g. after a crowded subway ride in mid-January, post-Christmas-shopping at the mall). in those situations, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the next best thing. Make sure your hands are dry, as moisture can dilute the product, and that you apply enough of it to cover your hands and fingers completely, about three millilitres. rub your hands together until the product has evaporated. keep in mind, however, that the alcohol kills both good and bad bacteria, so use it sparingly. Also, sanitizer will not work properly if your hands are visibly dirty. in that case, it's best to wash with soap and water.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information courtesy of the National Post for public health benefit. Feb.17, 2010
Information courtesy of the National Post for public health benefit. Feb.17, 2010
