Flu Season Precautions: What You Need to Know
Are you ready for flu season? Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is here to help you stay safe and healthy during this time of year when respiratory illnesses are on the rise. With cases of influenza, particularly influenza A, continuing to pop up in the province, it's crucial to take extra precautions to protect yourself and those around you.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some people might be hesitant to get vaccinated, but the truth is, vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness. So, let's dive into the details and explore some practical ways to prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory viruses.
Vaccination: Your First Line of Defense
Anyone 6 months of age or older can get the flu vaccine, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines are safe and effective, and they continue to be the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness. Don't wait too long to get vaccinated; it's not too late!
- Visit TimefortheShot.ca (https://www.timefortheshot.ca/) for more information and to book an appointment.
- Alternatively, you can call the toll-free numbers for vaccine bookings: Eastern-Urban and Eastern Rural Zones – 1-833-951-3884; Central Zone – 1-833-961-3749; Labrador-Grenfell Zone – 1-833-960-3643; and Western Zone – 1-833-703-5470.
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are also available at no cost through participating local pharmacies, family physicians, and nurse practitioners.
Other Ways to Prevent the Spread of Flu and Respiratory Viruses
Here are some simple yet effective ways to help prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory viruses:
- Stay home when feeling sick.
- Wear a mask in crowded or indoor spaces, particularly if you are at higher risk of complications.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue.
- Regularly clean and disinfect areas that are often touched by others (e.g., doorknobs).
Visiting Loved Ones in Hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes
If you're planning to visit loved ones in hospitals or long-term care homes, there are some important guidelines to follow:
- Self-screening for COVID-19/respiratory illness is required for visitors/support persons. Learn more (https://nlhealthservices.ca/key-information/masking-and-self-screening/#self-screening-for-covid-19-respiratory-illness-69677d5e663b9).
- Visitors/support persons who are feeling unwell or sick should not visit patients/long-term care residents or accompany others to appointments. Please wait until 24 hours after symptoms resolve before visiting hospitals and long-term care settings.
For extenuating circumstances such as labor and delivery or end-of-life, visiting should be done in consultation with the clinical care team.
Masking Guidelines at Healthcare Facilities
Masking is temporarily required in all clinical areas in hospitals and healthcare facilities, including long-term care facilities. Masks are available at healthcare facilities.
- Visitors/support persons, clients, and patients (in outpatient clinics and emergency departments) are required to wear a well-fitted medical mask in waiting areas for healthcare services/appointments, care/treatment areas, and while visiting patients and long-term care residents. Learn more (https://nlhealthservices.ca/key-information/masking-and-self-screening/#masking-guidelines-69677d5e65cdf).
- These precautions are in place to help keep patients, clients, long-term care residents, visitors, staff, and physicians safe and help in the prevention and spread of infection.
Are you taking all the necessary precautions to stay healthy during flu season? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Do you have any questions or concerns about flu season precautions? Feel free to ask, and we'll do our best to provide helpful answers.
