News Release                                                

                                                                                                                 For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                 December 17, 2008

Stay 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.

“Respiratory and gastro-intestinal illnesses can spread rapidly through a school, institution or workplace. I cannot over-state the importance of staying away from others when you are ill.” says Dr. Hazel Lynn, Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health, “And do wash your hands, often.”

It is important to stay home from work or school when you are not well. One case of illness can spread, resulting in many people becoming sick. Germs are spread on surfaces that we touch, through the air and by 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.

Do not visit health care facilities including hospitals, nursing homes and retirement homes if you are sick. You can spread illness to those whose health is already compromised, creating the possibility of serious and possibly life-threatening complications.

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

Eat healthy foods and get lots of exercise. Both contribute to maintaining a strong immune system to assist your body in fighting off illness.

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

Handwashing is the best way to stop the spread of germs at home and at work.

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

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For more information:
Amanda McManaman
Public Health Nurse
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1293