Although winter is a magical season in Montreal with all the holiday festivities and beautiful snow days, winter is also flu season. Maybe it’s the lack of sunshine or the cold weather affecting our immune system, winter is when most people get sick with the flu. Being cooped up indoors for longer periods of time doesn’t help. Health care professionals recommend that everybody get the flu shot to prevent catching the flu virus. They base the vaccine on the flu virus that transpired in Australia as they had their winter before us. Apparently the flu virus was very strong in Australia their past winter so it is recommended that everyone get the flu shot. Although getting the flu shot is a wise decision, some people get a little sick after being injected with the vaccine. They may experience headaches, fever, body aches or even develop a cold. Health care professionals also recommend that everyone do the following:
- eat well and foods rich in vitamin C and zinc
- stay hydrated by drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day
- wash hands regularly
- cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading the virus
- stay active and physically fit
- avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes
- avoid sharing eating utensils
- stay home if you do have flu like symptoms to avoid spreading the virus
- keep your extremities warm outdoors; head, hands and feet
EC Montreal language school students can always get the flu shot at a neighborhood pharmacy or make an appointment at a walk-in clinic. The closest walk-in clinic is located on Sherbrooke Street and Guy Street. We want everyone to enjoy the magical winter season in Montreal and avoid being sick in bed for days with the flu. If you think you have the flu, it is better to stay home so it does not spread to your classmates at school. Common symptoms of the flu include shivers, high fever and body aches. The flu virus, unfortunately, spreads quickly.
Wishing a happy and healthy winter season in Montreal!