Preventing the spread of influenza

BC’s doctors are reminding you that it’s that time of year again where the first cases of flu make their way through the province of BC. For seniors, young children, or people with weakened immune systems and chronic health conditions, the flu can be deadly.

Protect yourself and your family by following these prevention tips from HealthLinkBC:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Promptly dispose of used tissues in the waste basket or garbage
• Cough and sneeze into your shirt sleeve rather than your hands
• Stay home when you are ill
• Get an influenza vaccine

Getting an influenza vaccine can help prevent you from getting sick and from spreading it to others.

People can spread the flu before they even know they have it. How does the flu spread? Through coughing, sneezing, or face-to-face contact. The virus can also spread if someone touches tiny droplets of cough or sneeze and then touches their own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands.

Immunize BC has recently posted a list of clinics offering the flu shot. The online tool allows users to simply enter their city or postal code to search for convenient Flu Clinic locations.

We encourage both physicians and patients to get their annual flu vaccine to prevent the spread of influenza this season. 

_{Photo: Victoria, BC. Working together to fight influenza. Past President of Doctors of BC, Dr William Cunningham, gives Minister of Health, Terry Lake, his flu shot.}