What you candoto stay healthy during influenza season

Alberta Health Services says all Albertans who are six months of age or older should get a flu shot every season — and as early in the season as possible. Influenza immunization is free if you live, work or go to school in Alberta.

Beyond getting immunized, here are some others ways AHS says people can protect themselves and those around them from getting influenza:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.

If you don’t have a tissue on you, cough or sneeze into your arm, not into your hands.

Throw away tissues after covering your cough or wiping your nose, then wash your hands.

Also wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or hand sanitizer, after using the washroom, before eating and before preparing foods.

Keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose.

If you’re sick, stay home. In addition to protecting your co-workers, classmates, friends and family, you should also avoid visiting people in hospitals, care facilities or seniors’ lodges until you’re better.

WHAT IS INFLUENZA?

Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs that is caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite and fatigue. The most common complication of influenza is pneumonia.