Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are now available to the general public, CK Public Health officials say.
CK Public Health recommends all eligible community members get these vaccines.
Staying current with vaccinations is the most effective way to prevent illness, public health officials say.
Vaccination protects individuals from influenza and COVID-19 and lessens the severity of symptoms if they do get infected.
For high-risk individuals or those with severe illness, antiviral medications can be prescribed to help manage symptoms and aid recovery.
“Vaccines are a modern day miracle of scientific medicine,” said Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Acting Medical Officer of Health for CK Public Health, in a media release.
In addition to getting vaccinated, CK Public Health encourages everyone to take steps to protect themselves against respiratory illnesses including practicing good hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing a mask, and disinfecting high touch services.
If you feel unwell, it is important to take the following precautions:
– Stay Home: if you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, stay home to reduce the risk of spreading illness to others.
– Rest and Hydrate: get plenty of rest and drink fluids to help your body recover.
– Consult a Healthcare Provider: if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days, or if you are in a high-risk group, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and potential treatment options.
For more information about the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, including where to get vaccinated, visit their website at ckpublichealth.com/respiratoryillness or contact CK Public Health at 519-352-7270.
