Local residents are once again being encouraged to roll up their sleeves to defend themselves against influenza and COVID-19.
The Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, Quinte Health, and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health have issued a joint statement asking people to take preventative measures to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
While some groups are eligible for vaccines now, the flu vaccine will become available to the general public on October 30 and the updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available around the same time.
Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health says, “Vaccines continue to be the most effective way to reduce risk of severe illness associated with both flu and COVID-19. Protect each other this fall and winter by rolling up your sleeves and getting the flu shot at your local health care provider or getting either shot at many local pharmacies.”
Until you are eligible for vaccination, health authorities say you can protect yourself by doing the following:
Frequent handwashing: Wash your hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitizer (with at least 60 per cent alcohol) especially after coughing or sneezing.
Cover your mouth and nose: Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues in a lined trash can immediately.
Limit close contact: Stay away from people who are sick, and if you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading the illness. Maintain physical distancing from others in public settings if you are unwell or around those who are unwell.
Consider wearing a mask: When you are in close proximity to others, especially in indoor or crowded settings, wearing a mask can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets. Wear a mask in public settings when recovering from respiratory illness or if you have symptoms.
Practice respiratory etiquette: Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly.
Boost your immune system: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support your immune system.
Hydrate and rest: If you do get sick, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and avoid contact with others until you are symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
For information on where to get the flu shot, visit www.ontario.ca/page/flu-facts or www.hpePublicHealth.ca. Residents are encouraged to seek the flu shot through their primary care provider or a local pharmacy.
For information on where to get the latest COVID-19 shot, including participating pharmacies, visit https://www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations/ or www.hpePublicHealth.ca. Residents are encouraged to seek the vaccine at local pharmacies if possible.
COVID CASES DECREASE
Meanwhile, in its weekly update, the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health dashboard shows 32 confirmed active cases of COVID-19.
That is well down from last Wednesday’s report when there were 71 cases.
Twenty-two new high-risk cases were diagnosed over the last seven days.
Outbreaks in high-risk settings are up from two to five.
There were no new COVID-related deaths.
