Proper etiquette during cold and flu season

Watch above: Proper etiquette during cold and flu season

SASKATOON – According to Health Canada, each year up to 7 million Canadians get the flu and the common cold.

Although the two are distinctly different, proper etiquette to insure you don’t spread either infection is similar.

“You’ll know when you have the flu; you’ll feel like you’ve been hit by a bus. You’ll have a high fever, chills, severe aches and pains,” said Dr. Shovita Padhi, Saskatoon Health Regions (SHR) deputy medical health officer.

“The cold will generally present with a sore throat, maybe a cough.”

Distinctly different, but the spread and prevention of both is the same.

“They’re spread through droplet and contact with people. If you have germs on surfaces or by shaking people’s hands,” said Padhi.

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Health officials recommend wiping down workplace surfaces: door knobs, hand rails, chairs and phones. Also, trust that 99.9 per cent effective label on hand sanitizer.

“A lot of it is alcohol and what alcohol does is dries things up and basically just kills everything,” said Sabrina Pidperyhora, local pharmacist.

“It’s good for if you’re on the go and those who don’t have access to a good hand washing area.”

Proper use of hand sanitizer includes the same steps as proper hand washing: dampen, rub the soap in your palms, then on the backs of your hands, next is the thumbs, between the fingers, knuckles, nails, rinse, dry hands and use paper towel to close the tap.

Coughing and sneezing also comes with instructions.

“Catch your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Then after you toss the tissue away,” said Padhi.

Coughing into your hands is an unsanitary habit health professionals want abandoned. Resort to the crook of your elbow if need be.

It’s also important to stay home when sick. Contagious germs can survive on surfaces for 24 to 48 hours and both the common cold and influenza can be contagious before you even show symptoms.

For more information about nearby flu shot clinics, visit the SHR.