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By Brady Ratzlaff

AHS reminding people to get vaccinated

Oct 31, 2018 | 12:57 PM

With trick or treaters roaming the streets tonight, Alberta Health Services is reminding everyone to protect themselves from the flu.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Judy MacDonald says there are ways that one can keep candy collectors from getting sick.

“When people are handing out things that people are going to eat or coming into contact with children, it’s a good idea to pay attention to simple things like washing your hands before you are handling anything that may be going into someone else’s mouth.”

MacDonald says now is the time where people are in close proximity to each other or perfect opportunities for the flu to spread.

“That is a perfect way that viruses get spread. Whether they are influenza or other respiratory viruses or even viruses that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Those nasty noroviruses. They do look for opportunities where people are getting together.”

She adds so far this flu season, 100 lab-confirmed cases of influenza have been reported in Alberta. Over 300,000 doses of the influenza vaccines have been administered since October 15.

MacDonald says there are a number of everyday things people can do to prevent getting or others from getting the flu.

“You need to do yourself and others a favour by staying home from school and work. Nobody wants to share those germs with you. You will likely recover much faster if you are looking after yourself at home.”

Other flu-fighting solutions include washing your hands, covering your mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and keeping hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes.

She adds the best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated. Vaccines are available for those six months of age and older, at local clinics as well as at many pharmacies and physician offices.

 

by Brady Ratzlaff