Follow these tips to protect yourself and everyone around you especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic this fall:

1. Get vaccinated

   Getting vaccinated is a big help for our immune system. The COVID-19 vaccine will also protect others from getting infected in case you are an asymptomatic carrier of the virus. Go to ProtectMB to find the nearest immunization site to get your 19 vaccine if you haven’t gotten it yet.

   Also consider getting the flu shot during the pandemic. It’s possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Visit your doctor or go to the local public health office, nursing station, pharmacy (your local pharmacist can provide immunization services to people seven years old and older), ACCESS Centre, or the nearest immunization clinic and ask to know what is best for you. Go to the MHSAL page on Seasonal Flu for more information about the flu vaccine.

2. Follow public health guidance

   Continue masking up and hand sanitizing. Use soap and water and rub your fingers, palms, under your nails, the back of your hands and above your wrists for at least 20 seconds. This is as long as singing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice. Rinse and dry your hands well. Do this as often as possible. Use alcohol-based disposable wet wipes or gel sanitizers when you don’t have soap and water. Wear a face mask when you can’t observe physical distancing. This will also stop you from spreading infection around if you have a cold, cough or flu.

   Public health orders and restrictions change often. For our safety, know the latest public health guidance from the RestartMB Pandemic Response System page.

3. Strengthen your immunity

   Eat right, exercise and get enough sleep to prevent any kind of sickness. Do this all year long, not only during the flu season. Eat foods rich with vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and selenium. Watch the video below to learn more about foods that boost your immunity:

   
   5 foods to keep your immune system strong, CBC

4. Cough and sneeze into your elbow

   Cough and sneeze into your elbow or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Throw away used tissues immediately into the trash bin.

5. Stay at home

   Consult your doctor if you’re not feeling well. Stay home, rest and take your medicines. Don’t go outside to stop the virus from spreading.

   If you’re experencing COVID-19 symptoms, take the online self-assessment and call the Health Links-Info Santé line at 204-788-8200. They will tell you what to do and where to go if you need to get tested. Call 911 if you cannot breathe or if you have other severe symptoms.

 
Article updated September 16, 2021.
 
Sources: Colliers- protecting yourself and others against respiratory illness (pdf); Seasonal flu, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living; and The benefits of hand washing, Canada.ca.