Watch the video above: how to stay healthy during flu season
SASKATOON – If you’re not one of those who received the influenza vaccination and now find yourself regretting it, there are still ways to stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs this flu season.
READ MORE: The flu shot shortage: Who’s to blame?
“Immunization is the best protection but there are other ways to protect ourselves from respiratory infections,” said Karen Grauer, the Saskatoon Health Region’s manager of disease control.
“Great hand washing and coughing into your sleeve and really good cleaning, so door knobs, keyboards all of those kinds of things are really important to prevent the spread of influenza.”
Some of the responsibility lies on those who are already sick to stay at home.
“Certainly if they have a fever and if they’re feeling flu-like for goodness sake keep away, don’t try and be a hero and go to work because then you’re simply spreading it around,” said Dr. Jonathan Hey, a local family doctor.
READ MORE: Telling the difference between cold and flu symptoms
Many doctors are even encouraging employers to waive sick notes to avoid ill people going to medical clinics and spreading germs even further.
“Sick notes are really the bane of our lives because firstly if you’re not sick when you come into this clinic you’re probably going to be sick when you go out because there’s so much disease running around,” said Hey.
There are also some natural ways to boost your immune system.
“Minimizing sugar intake because that can depress the immune system which leaves you more susceptible to developing the flu,” said Natropathic Doctor Joanne Dawe.
“Just going towards a more whole foods diet, lots of fruits and vegetables with all those regular nutrients to help boost the immune system.”
She says taking Vitamin D and probiotic supplements as well as Echinacea will give people an extra health boost.
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