\u00a0As the fall season is now here, the cases of common colds, COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and other respiratory viruses begin to increase.<\/p>\n
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is urging residents to get immunized for flu and COVID-19. \u00a0<\/p>\n
These free vaccines are available as of Monday, Oct. 27, from participating local pharmacies and some health care providers. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Getting immunized early in the season helps maximize your protection against serious illness, especially during the winter months when respiratory viruses circulate the most.<\/p>\n
Young children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of serious illness from these respiratory viruses.<\/p>\n
Along with getting immunized, there are simple and effective steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you.<\/p>\n
This includes:<\/p>\n
Staying home if you\u2019re feeling unwell with any symptoms of a respiratory illness. This includes keeping children home from school or child care if they are sick.<\/p>\n
Avoid non-essential visits to hospitals, long-term care homes, or retirement residences if you are not feeling well.<\/p>\n
Wash your hands frequently and clean high-touch surfaces regularly.<\/p>\n
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.<\/p>\n
Consider wearing a well-fitted medical mask in indoor public spaces, especially if you are at higher risk of severe illness.<\/p>\n
If you are sick, wear a mask in all public settings for ten days after your symptoms begin. Note, masks<\/p>\n
are not recommended for children under two years of age.<\/p>\n
Parents and caregivers of children 6 months up to 5 years old who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner or who cannot find a local pharmacy to provide the flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine may make an appointment at one of the health unit\u2019s immunization clinics<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n