As the colder months approach, it’s time to start thinking about staying healthy and taking steps to prevent illness. Rocky Ridge holds an annual Influenza In-Service where residents can receive the Flu Shot from Alberta Health Services on site. Here is some advice that we share with our residents;
Flu Season Is Coming
Influenza is a virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms start suddenly and may include fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite and feeling tired. Vomiting and diarrhea can happen, but are more common in young children.
Influenza can be easily spread in a number of ways. The virus can be breathed in so it is spread when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or even talks. People can be exposed to it when they touch something that carries the virus (e.g., hands, objects) and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Influenza can be spread before an infected person has any symptoms.
How can I prevent spreading influenza?
The good news is there are a number of things you can do to minimize your chances of getting or spreading influenza. These include getting the annual flu shot, washing your hands with warm water and soap or hand sanitizer often, covering your cough or sneeze into your arm or a tissue, and staying home when you are sick.
How well does influenza vaccine work?
The vaccine lowers your risk of getting influenza by about half. The vaccine can keep you from getting influenza, make influenza less severe if you do get it, and keeps you from spreading influenza to your family and others. Protection starts about 2 weeks after you get the vaccine.