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Love it or hate it — sweater weather has officially arrived.
Unfortunately, now that we’re spending more time indoors with each other, flu season is beginning to rear its stuffy, congested head.
Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to help keep the sniffles at bay…
But first, what exactly is the flu?
The flu, or seasonal influenza, is a serious viral infection that affects your nose, throat and lungs.
You can catch the flu when your mouth, nose or eyes are sprayed with droplets — like when someone coughs, sneezes or even talks. You can also get it by touching your face after your hands have come in contact with the virus.
It’s not always easy to tell if you have the flu, but the symptoms are usually cough, fever, fatigue and muscle aches.
Why should I get the annual flu shot?
If there’s one thing you take away from this guide, it’s this: getting vaccinated every year is the single most effective way to prevent the flu.
“If I had to create a list of things to do this flu season, this would be at least numbers one, two and three,” emphasizes infectious diseases expert Dr. Michaeline McGuinty with a smile — a smile that’s subtle enough to let you know she’s serious.
Some people think the flu is just like the common cold. But while the common cold is relatively harmless, the flu can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, heart attacks and even death. The flu is estimated to cause about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year, according to the Government of Canada.
Even if you got your flu shot last year, you should still get it again this year. That’s because the influenza virus changes from year to year — and the vaccine is updated to protect against the latest strains.
How do I get my shot?
Starting October 27, the flu vaccine will be available to the general public. That means all people aged six months and older who live, work or go to school in Ontario are eligible to get vaccinated.
There are a few ways you can get your shot. You can check with your primary care provider to see if they offer it, but did you know that you can also get vaccinated at your local pharmacy? Just be sure to contact them first to see if they have it available.
More helpful tips for a sniffle-free sniffle season
While getting vaccinated is the number one way to avoid catching the flu, there are other precautions you can take to further reduce your risk and protect others:
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home if you’re sick. Your co-workers will thank you for taking a sick day!
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. This is a lesson from pre-school we should all continue to heed!
- If you or someone in your household has a weakened immune system, wear a mask while out in public.
“This is an important season to look after your overall health. Be sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat healthy — all the things your mother told you to do,” says Dr. McGuinty. “Turns out, this is extremely good advice for reducing the risk of catching the flu and of developing a more serious illness if you do catch it.”
To learn more about the flu and getting your vaccine, please pay a visit to our friends at Ottawa Public Health.
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The Ottawa Hospital
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