Wash Your Hands

Hi it's you girl JA Nursing  

it's that time again,  sick season so I'm going to cover 2 topics  for kids and adults 

Sometimes as a Nurse I wonder how sick are you? While many people are able to quickly recognize that something is going through their system,  One of the common questions I have been asked is should I take the flu? I always ask why and they say because I get the flu anyways. 

That's  not the case people are unable to differentiate between a common cold and influenza. The common cold and flu are different types of viral infections of the respiratory system. Because they share similar symptons and may feel the same, it can be hard to tell them apart.

Both cold and flu viruses spread from person to person. This means that getting either a cold or the flu may be prevented by washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with anyone with a cold or the flu. If you are infected with the cold or flu virus, get plenty of rest to help fight the infection.  Drinking lots of fluids is also important to stay hydrated and loosen mucus.

FACT: Antibiotics treat bacteria, not viruses. Since both the common cold and influenza are viral infections, antibiotics will not help. And that's why your Doctor never wants to prescribe antibiotics. 

Your  pharmacy has a variety of over the counter products that can help alleviate your cold or flu symptoms. People don't realize this but pharmacists are always available to answer your questions. 

Influenza vs. Common Cold

This chart features some tips to help you differentiate between the symptoms of influenza and the common cold. 

I always like to recommend 

How to protect your kids 

Virus can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing, by close contact with infected persons or by touching a contaminated surface.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says the most effective measures you can do to protect yourself and children :

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer.

· Wash your hands: before and after eating, after you have been in a public place, after using the washroom, after coughing and sneezing, after touching common surfaces

Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand

 Keep your hands away from your face

Keep common surface areas clean and disinfected

If you get sick, stay home

Ensure your immunizations are up to date

This has been watching out for your #health  #janursing