With so much socializing over the holiday season, pharmacists are urging people get a flu shot before visiting friends and family this Christmas.
Gianni Del Negro, a London Drugs pharmacist, said in a press release the vaccine will protect not only those who receive the shot but, also, the vulnerable people they may come into contact with over Christmas.
"Get your flu shot for grandma's sake," he said in the release.
"For healthy individuals, catching the flu might put a bit of a damper on the holidays but for those who are more vulnerable — like babies, young children, the elderly and people with certain health conditions — the flu can be deadly. So it is important do do everything you can to ensure you're not passing along the flu virus to them."
According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, the influenza virus is highly contagious. Airborne droplets can live for up to 48 hours on contaminated objects or up to five minutes on skin.
"It can take up to two weeks for the flu shot to become effective so if you want to be protected and protect your loved ones for the holidays, get vaccinated right away," Del Negro said.
He also recommends:
• washing your hands;
• limiting close physical contact with infected individuals;
• practising good self care — make sure you eat right and get a good night sleep;
• keeping unclean hands away from your face;
• avoiding handshakes;
• and being wary of keypads, like on ATMs or elevators.
