Cold, flu and COVID

Flu immunization

Publicly funded: Free influenza vaccine is provided to everyone for the 2024-2025 influenza season. Staff, faculty, students and public are all welcome.

Please bring your provincial healthcare or Guard Me information.

• Oct. 24 from 10 a.m - 2 p.m. | Campus pharmacy | Student Union Building (SUB)
• Oct. 25 from 10 a.m - 2 p.m. | Campus pharmacy | Student Union Building (SUB)
• Nov. 1 from 10 a.m - 2 p.m. | St. Thomas University | J.B. O'Keefe Gym
• Nov. 8 from 10 a.m - 2 p.m. | Student Union Building (SUB) | Ballroom
• Nov. 22 from 10 a.m - 2 p.m. | Harriet Irving Library (HIL) | Room 318

Influenza Virus - or the flu - is a common upper respiratory infection. It often starts with a headache, body aches, chills and a cough or sore throat. You may also develop a fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, runny nose and sneezing. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.

With the potential risk posed by Covid-19 and RSV, limiting the spread of influenza remains very important again this year. Getting immunized against the flu is the most effect way to protect yourself, your family and community.

Local pharmacies

Nutrition and your immune system

No specific food, supplements, detoxes or cleanses will prevent you from catching COVID-19. You can however support normal functioning of the immune system with a well-balanced diet following recommendations from Canada’s Food Guide.

If you are self-isolating and especially if you have symptoms, it is important to maintain good nutrition and hydration. Make sure you are eating and drinking regularly, even if you have a low appetite.

About influenza

Influenza virus or "the flu" is a common upper respiratory infection. It often starts with a headache, body aches, chills and a cough or sore throat. You may also develop a fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, runny nose, and sneezing. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.

It can be hard to tell the difference between symptoms of the flu and COVID-19. If you have symptoms, isolate yourself from others and determine if COVID-19 testing is required.

With the potential risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the spread of influenza is particularly important.

The flu can lead to missed time from work or school. It is very contagious, but also very preventable. Getting a flu shot every year is one of the most effective ways to prevent catching the flu and spreading to your family, friends and community.

Prevention

Have the flu, a cold or maybe a stomach virus? Did you know some viruses can live on surfaces anywhere from a couple hours to a couple days.

Tips to help prevent catching or spreading a cold, the flu, pertussis or a stomach virus:

• Wash your hands with warm and soapy water thoroughly and frequently
• Use hand sanitizer (60 to 90% alcohol based) when you do not have access to wash your hands
• If you are sick try to isolate yourself from others when possible to avoid spreading germs
• Cough and sneeze into the bend of your arm, not your hand, to prevent spreading germs to others
• Discard tissues into a waste basket
• Clean and disinfect regularly using household cleaners, areas that are touched frequently such as keyboards, doorknobs, sink water tap handles, phones, desktop surfaces, etc
• Get your flu shot, available at the student health centre
• Keep your system strong: eat healthy foods, be physically active, get enough sleep, practice stress management techniques and refrain from smoking

Learn more: FightFlu.ca and Norovirus (stomach flu)
Flu prevention, written by Stacey Taylor, NP