Pinoys Urged to Take Steps as Flu Season Kicks In
CANADA – Dropping temperatures across Canada also means the onset of flu season.
Cold Canadian winter usually brings about the cold and the flu. Many catch the virus every year even with all the steps available to prevent it.
Getting a flu vaccine yearly is top on the list, but less than half of Canadians take advantage of it.
“No, because I’m pretty much just too lazy to get it and I don’t feel like i need it. I’m strong,” said Chris Ledda from Ottawa.
Fiesta Manila Bakery owner Edmond Tolentino said he always get a flu shot.
“Para naman maiwasan kasi tag-lamig na. Para maiwasan ang lagnat or sickness I can encounter,” he said.
The vaccine gives one added protection and prevents the person from passing the flu on to others.
It’s important to get a new flu vaccine every year as it can wear off. The flu virus also changes from year to year so the vaccine is updated to protect people fully.
According to Filipino pharmacist Jim Suello, there may be side effects from the flu vaccine.
Muscle tenderness, slight fever or colds are common but these are mild symptoms that go away in a few days.
“So you just take something to relieve the symptoms like Tylenol or Advil for the fever. You may apply some ice compress on the area if the injection site is a little sore. Also, what we encourage is for people to get their immune system boosted. So we always recommend drinking lots of orange juice or vitamin C to boost the immune system. There’s zinc that you may take to boost your immune function,” said Suello.
It is highly encouraged for anyone six months and up to get the flu shot.
Other ways to stay healthy during flu season are the following:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly
- Use hand sanitizer after touching door handles or carts in public places
- Cough and sneeze into the bend of your arm not into your hand
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands
- Clean and disinfect things and surfaces that a lot of people touch like doorknobs, tv remotes, and cellphones.
(Source: Vanessa Merjudio, ABS-CBN Canada)