News Release                   For Immediate Release

September 18, 2003

Stay at Home When Sick

With the cold and flu season rapidly approaching, it is time to reinforce habits that will reduce illness at work, school and play.  According to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn, “Respiratory illnesses like colds and influenza and diarrheal illnesses, like Norwalk, can spread rapidly through a school, institution or workplace. The recent outbreak of SARS was an important reminder of the importance of staying isolated from others when you are ill.”

The most important messages:

DON’T go to work or school ill.  One case of illness can spread, resulting in numerous cases of illness. Germs are spread via surfaces that we touch, through the air and via things that we put into our mouths.  These viruses can live on unwashed hands for 5 minutes, on clothing and tissues for 8 to 10 hours and on hard objects like doorknobs, telephones and keyboards for up to 2 days.

Also

DON’T visit health care facilities including hospitals, nursing homes and retirement homes if you are ill.

DO get a flu shot. This is a proven method to reduce the amount of respiratory illness in our community.

DO eat healthy foods and get lots of exercise.  Maintaining a strong immune system assists your body in fighting off illnesses.

DO wash your hands after sneezing, coughing, using a facial tissue, using the washroom, changing a diaper, handling pets and handling raw foods.

Handwashing continues to be recognized as the best way of stopping the spread of germs in your personal and professional life.

 

For more information call Public Health at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

-30-

For more information:

Dr. Hazel Lynn

Medical Officer of Health

Public Health

376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456