Peel Public Health tips to prevent and beat the flu

​During the winter season, it's important to take precautions to avoid and help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses such as influenza or "the flu." Influenza is a disease that affects the airways and the lungs. The flu can spread from person to person and can sometimes cause severe illnesses. Peel Public Health has provided these tips to help reduce the risk of becoming ill or spreading the flu:

​Get your annual flu shot: It's not too late to get your annual flu shot. Visit your physician, a walk-in clinic, a pharmacy or find another location near you that is offering the free influenza vaccine.

Stay home when you're sick: If your child develops flu-like signs and symptoms, (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), keep them home from school. Contact your health care provider if symptoms are severe.

Practise good hygiene: Help your child get into the habit of covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after it's used. If they don't have a tissue, they should cough or sneeze into their sleeve or elbow. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread this way.

Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after they cough or sneeze.

There are many locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots:

• Peel flu clinics
• Family Doctors' offices
• Walk-in clinics
• Pharmacies​

For more information, call Peel Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.