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Fight the Flu

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Flu-fighting: It’s up to all of us

How LifeWorks Can Help

Influenza is a respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat and lungs. The flu is caused by the highly contagious influenza virus – a virus that can be easily passed from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks – or by direct contact with contaminated objects.

The seasonal flu mostly affects people in Canada between November and April, with the viruses changing slightly from year to year. People develop symptoms from one to four days after becoming infected, and they can pass on the virus from the day before they have the first symptoms until five to seven days after symptoms start. Symptoms include:

  • Fever of 38 C (100.4 F) or higher that starts suddenly
  • A dry cough that can last for weeks
  • Headache
  • An aching body especially the lower back and legs
  • Feeling very weak and tired
  • Symptoms may also include: chills; loss of appetite; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Despite the unpleasantness of flu symptoms, most healthy people are able to recover without severe complications in seven to 10 days. For more tips and articles to help you stay healthy this flu season, go online to www.lifeworks.com or www.fightflu.ca.

Call LifeWorks toll-free: 1.877.207.8833

TTY: 1.877.371.9978

You can also visit www.lifeworks.com
(user id: Authentic; password: Coal Harbour).

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend the following steps to protect against all strains of influenza:

  • Get the shot annually. While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common that particular season.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Keep your hands away from your face: Tiny drops of moisture containing the virus can enter through the eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Keep common areas disinfected, such as countertops, door handles, switches, phones, keyboards, etc.
  • Eat nutritious food, exercise and get a good night’s sleep.
  • Limit contact with sick people, and stay home when you’re sick. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has broken (except to get medical care or for other necessities).

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