‘Spread joy, not germs’ this holiday season

Health officials are reminding Albertans to take precautions against respiratory illnesses as the holiday season gets underway.

Primary Care Alberta is encouraging people to practice good hygiene, stay home when sick, and get immunized to protect themselves and others.

Key tips include: washing hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based sanitizer; covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of the arm; avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands; and regularly cleaning commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs and light switches.

Immunization remains a key tool in preventing illness. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated,” Primary Care Alberta said, noting that vaccines are safe and far less risky than the diseases they prevent.

Officials also stressed that antibiotics do not work against influenza or other viruses, although antiviral medications may be used for treatment or prevention.

Primary Care Alberta, a provincial initiative, aims to improve access to primary care across Alberta by coordinating services and meeting patients wherever they live, work, play, and learn. The organization says it is committed to providing timely, compassionate healthcare to all Albertans throughout their lives.

For more information on vaccines and safe medication use, visit Immunization benefits and safety and Guide to Wise Use of Antibiotics - Do Bugs Need Drugs.