Ways to fight off the flu

Vaccination is just one of a variety of steps people should take to avoid the spread of influenza. And with winter beginning to take hold of the region it pays to review some of the best tools to stop the seasonal round of colds and its more serious cousin, the flu.

Simple, time-honoured cleanliness is still one of the best tricks in the book. Frequent handwashing through the day, especially after using the washroom and before meals, helps scrub away germs you may have picked up from other people, or off surfaces other people may have touched.

Cover up when you cough or sneeze to keep germs from spreading through the air to others. Try coughing into your sleeve or the bend in your elbow.

Wipe all food surfaces and shared work areas like the telephone and computer keyboard with a good household cleaner.

The flu shot is free in Ontario. Clinics run by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit are being held in Simcoe and Muskoka until Dec. 6. Clinic dates and locations are posted on the health unit's website.

If you're feeling sick, stay home and rest. You'll recover faster and you will prevent spreading disease to coworkers. For more information about preventing the spread of infections, call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721- 7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.