SASKATOON – ‘Tis the season for giving and receiving including nasty flu bugs. With households filled to the brim and finger food a plenty, it’s easy for colds and even the stomach flu to sneak up on you.
There are ways though to lessen your chances of getting sick this holiday season and spending your days leading up to New Year’s Day worshiping the porcelain god.
“If someone in your household does have the stomach flu, frequent hand-washing is very important, trying to limit the exposure to that person, if a person has a lowered immune system then trying to stay away as much as possible and just practicing good hygiene,” said Sabrina Pidperyhora, pharmacist with London Drugs.
If you do get sick with a stomach bug it will likely pass within 24 to 48 hours added Pidperyhora, whereas a cold can last up to a month.
“I would say if you’re getting progressively worst after about a week then maybe you should think about consulting a physician.”
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To avoid spreading it to others sneeze into your elbow and if you think you’re too sick to go to work, you probably are. Drink plenty of water and get some shut eye if you want to recover quicker.
Over-the-counter cold remedies may also help in getting you back on your feet faster but they are mostly to help you cope.
“Products are more recommended for symptom control, they’re not going to cure it, they’re not going to do anything like that, they’re just going to help with symptom relief.”
Most people we spoke to on Tuesday had survived the last few weeks without catching anything and credit it to good hand washing, good nutrition and getting fresh air when they could.
Another line of defense to avoid getting sick this time of year is to get the flu shot and officials say you still have time.
Those in the City of Saskatoon can book an appointment with a public health office by calling 306-655-4358 otherwise those outside the region can contact their nearest public health office.
Pharmacists across Saskatchewan are also helping to administer the 425,000 doses ordered by the province this year. Click on the link to find one nearest to you.
In a typical year, one-third of Saskatchewan’s population will get the flu shot to fight off a flu, which is more dangerous than the common cold. Last year was one the deadliest flu seasons in decades with more than 8,000 hospitalizations across the country and 606 people died.
Saskatchewan recorded eight deaths and 25 intensive care unit admissions related to the flu season, numbers believed to be under-reported based on 91 outbreaks in long-term care facilities.
“Influenza starts very quickly, you have a high fever, you have the chills, you are very fatigued and you have a really dry cough so if that does happen you should see your doctor right away,” added Pidperyhora.
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