Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

NOTE: The following is a column by Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief public health officer.

Happy Holidays!

The holiday season is upon us and that means parties are in full swing, family and friends will be making their rounds, and many of us will be busy preparing for a time of giving.

One of the best things we can give ourselves, our friends and family this year is peace of mind that H1N1 won't be a reason to miss out on a time of celebration.

Christmas parties, staff celebrations and holiday dinners put us all in close proximity to each other. To keep our holidays healthy this year, keep a few simple holiday tips in mind:

• Stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and ask guests to do the same
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
• Wash hands often with water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Wipe down common surfaces such as door knobs and taps before and after your event
• Refrain from sharing drinks and food with others
• Do not share drinking glasses or utensils at parties
• And remember, no double-dipping!

These basic steps will help prevent not just H1N1, but a whole range of viral and bacterial illnesses.

While we can all do our part to reduce the spread of H1N1, there is no question about it -- immunization is the best defence. H1N1 is a serious illness that affects all ages, so everyone is at some risk of getting it. We have heard the stories of otherwise healthy people coming down with severe and debilitating illness from H1N1, and some have even died as a result.

A little preparation can go a long way. The time of year is about giving, so give some thought to how you can protect those closest to you. Spend the holidays with friends and family, not sick in bed with the flu -- get immunized.

Staying informed about H1N1 will also help keep you healthy this flu season. Visit our website at www.gov.ns.ca/h1n1 for current information on H1N1. You can also join us on our Facebook and Twitter pages at gov.ns.ca/facebook or twitter.com/nsgov .

For questions related to illness care, please call HealthLink 811.