Flu season has come early to Prince George this year and Northern Health has offered some tips on staying healthy and, if infected, not passing along the bug to others.
The health authority is emphasizing the importance of hand washing and said warm water and soap should be used for at least 20 seconds. Northern Health is also encouraging anyone who has flu symptoms to stay home from work or school until they're feeling better.
In the case of a flu with a fever, waiting for 24 hours after the fever has subsided.
A person infected with the seasonal flu is generally ill for about a week according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, however it can lead to complications like pneumonia. About 20,000 Canadians are hospitalized each year as a result of the flu or an illness picked up as a result of getting the flu each year babies, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system are at greater risk.
Along with the flu, other gastrointestinal illnesses and colds are also circulating around the community. Flu symptoms generally present suddenly and include a headache, sore throat and muscle aches. A cold is caused by a different type of virus and symptoms often consist of a runny nose, cough and a sore throat.
