By rdnewsNOW staff

HAVE A HEALTHY HOLIDAY

Spread joy, not germs: Stay healthy this holiday season

Dec 11, 2019 | 7:13 AM

CALGARY- ’Tis the season of celebratory gatherings but also of seasonal illnesses and influenza.

To help ensure your holiday season is a happy and healthy one, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding all Albertans to protect their health and get immunized against influenza.

As of Dec. 5, more than 660 cases of influenza have been confirmed in Alberta, and more than one million doses of influenza vaccine have been administered.

While this is a good start, hundreds of thousands of Albertans remain without protection.

Influenza vaccine continues to be offered to all Albertans (six months of age and older), free of charge. For more information, including local clinic schedules, visit www.ahs.ca/influenza or call Health Link at 811. Influenza immunization is also available through many pharmacists and physician offices around the province.

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

9m ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

5h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

5h ago

In addition to getting immunized, there are a number of steps you should always take to help prevent the spread of germs and illness.

These include:
– Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. If you don’t have
a tissue, always cough or sneeze into your arm, not into your hands.
– Washing hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water after coughing, sneezing,
using tissues or the washroom, and before eating or preparing foods.
– Keeping hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
– Refraining from preparing food for anyone while you’re sick.
– Staying home – from work, school, social obligations and visiting anyone in care facilities
– when sick. Do not visit family, friends or loved ones in hospitals, care facilities or seniors’
lodges until you’ve fully recovered.