The holiday season is once again upon us! Friends and families gather to reunite and celebrate. Make sure that you spread joy, not germs, when visiting with loved ones, especially those in hospitals and long-term care homes. Illnesses in facilities can spread quickly and endanger those who are already at risk for greater complications from influenza and other diseases.

Currently in Grey Bruce, there have been 6 cases of lab-confirmed influenza and 3 outbreaks in community care facilities. Emergency departments and schools are reporting increased respiratory illnesses over the past week as well.

Here are some tips on how to stay healthy this season, and how to protect those around you:

Get Immunized: Immunization is the most effective way to protect not only yourself, but those around you. All people in Ontario 6 months of age and up are eligible for the influenza vaccine. See your healthcare provider, or visit your local pharmacy for your flu shot. It's never too late!

Stay home when you are sick. If you are unwell, do not visit with family and loved ones, especially those in hospitals or in nursing or retirement homes.

Cover your cough and sneezes. Many viruses are spread through droplets that are passed in the air when you cough or sneeze.

Wash your hands! Using soap and warm water, or an alcohol based hand sanitizer can help stop the spread of viruses from your hands to other people and to surfaces that other people touch.

Make this holiday season happy and healthy for everyone. For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

Source - Grey Bruce Health Unit