Since this year’s flu season coincides with COVID-19, RNAO is committed to keeping you informed with credible resources to help you protect yourself, your family and the communities you serve as health-care providers.
We encourage everyone in Ontario to get the flu shot. It is the first and most important step in protecting against influenza (flu) viruses. Although there are vaccines to prevent COVID-19, we urge you to stop the spread of germs by continuing to wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, cover your coughs and sneezes, maintain physical distancing from others and wear a mask. Public health officials say these preventative measures will help you to avoid exposure and reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the flu, and maintain your overall health.
Stay healthy, Ontarians. #FightTheFlu
The flu is a contagious infection that can lead to illness, hospitalization or even death. Your best defense to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year because influenza viruses are constantly changing.
The flu shot is safe, and helps protect you, your loved ones and individuals at high-risk for severe illness from contracting influenza (young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with certain chronic health conditions).
No! These hygiene practices and public health measures to reduce the spread of germs are an excellent start, but the flu is very contagious and can spread quickly and easily. Getting the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself.
Both COVID-19 and the flu can spread from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (roughly six feet apart or two metres). Both viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with either COVID-19 or the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or also be inhaled. The flu shot will prevent individuals from illness.
With OHIP, the flu shot is free of charge! Call or go online to make an appointment.
Anyone as young as six months of age and older, including pregnant women.
Note: discuss with your health-care provider if you’ve had an allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past.
Please feel free to save and use the below graphics on your social media channels to share with your followers and spread the word about #FightTheFlu. No permission is required.
For additional information on influenza vaccine and the flu season as it coincides with COVID-19, please visit any of the following websites:
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