Several Eastern Ontario health units are urging people to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, as we head into the holidays.
A statement issued jointly by six health units, including Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, says that while holiday gatherings are important, they can also allow respiratory viruses to spread easily.
Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, says, “the public health precautions we are all familiar with are still the best defence against getting sick and reducing the spread of illness to family and friends.”
The health units urge people to do several things, such as:
- Get your updated COVID-19 and annual flu vaccines.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (rub hands together under water for 15-20 seconds), or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot, like desks, door handles, toys, and computer keyboards.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sneeze into your arm, not your hand.
- Optimize indoor air quality as much as possible, which may include increasing the air exchange rate, changing your air filters, and keeping doors and windows open where possible (weather permitting)
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wear a well-fitted mask, particularly if you are at a higher risk for severe illness.