COVID complacency is a serious threat to public health. COVID hasn’t gone away. Vaccines haven’t become pointless – and it’s a good idea to keep wearing your mask.
It can be difficult to an appointment to see your GP. So when should you make the effort to see a GP for a prescription for influenza antivirals? And how effective are they?
As people flock back to offices and pack public transport, we’re seeing more cases of the flu than in recent years. The flu shot isn’t perfect but it cuts your chance of being hospitalised.
If you’re over 65, you’ll likely get an immune-boosting flu shot. And there are options for those who don’t want a vaccine made with eggs – though the standard shots are safe for those with allergies.
Far from a mild disease, the flu can cause serious illness and death, particularly among children and older age groups. The flu vaccine isn’t perfect, but it’s the best way to protect yourself.
Your rapid antigen tests say you’re COVID-negative but you still have cold symptoms. Generally, you should stay away from others until you’re well again.
It’s much more likely your child’s symptoms are caused by a common respiratory virus than COVID-19. But it’s important to follow testing guidelines and keep them home if they’re unwell.
Although colder weather is linked to lower levels of physical activity, changing seasons provide unique opportunities to be active.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Keeping kids active in winter can be a challenge, as cold temperatures and icy conditions often mean more time indoors. Here’s how to maintain a healthy activity level throughout Canadian winters.
Residents of St. John’s, NL dig out after a major storm in January 2020.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan
Shovelling snow is excellent exercise that works the upper and lower body. However, it’s important to remember that digging out from a storm pushes many people to their maximal fitness capacity.
The media suggests we’re in the midst of a horror flu season, but there are nuances to consider.
From shutterstock.com
The headlines paint a picture of a frightening flu season. While this season set in earlier than usual, it’s not necessarily more severe than previous years.
It’s quicker to use hand sanitiser than soap and water, which means people might be more likely to use it.
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Ian Barr, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza
Headlines about this year’s flu season have been alarming. It’s true, we are having a serious season – but the data doesn’t indicate it’s the worst one we’ve ever had.
Early indications are that the vaccine has been a reasonably good match in the 2019 season.
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The flu vaccine is built on the strains expected to circulate in a given year. While the majority of strains circulating this year are matched in the vaccine, there’s one strain we didn’t predict.
You’re not imagining it. Our bodies really do crave macaroni cheese and other comfort foods as the temperature drops. Here’s why.
from www.shutterstock.com