Layer Protection Against Viruses and Stay Ho-Ho-Home if Sick

News Release

NORTH BAY, ON – Influenza A, RSV, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are circulating throughout the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s region. Between December 18 and 20, the region had 156 emergency department visits for respiratory symptoms, making it extremely important that people use layers of protection to help prevent themselves and those around them from getting ill this holiday season.

Layers of protection include: 

• Staying home when you or someone you live with is unwell
• Receiving your flu shot and COVID-19 booster – which are safe to receive at the same time
• Washing your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Wearing a well-fitted mask in all public settings
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue
• Frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces
• Being mindful of your distance from others when out in public.

“The holidays are a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. However, it is important that when attending holiday gatherings people consider the well-being of others by using a layer of protection and staying home if they or someone they live with is unwell,” explains Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, Associate Medical Officer of Health.

“It can be difficult to make the decision to stay home, but exposing a child, older person, or someone who is immunocompromised to a respiratory virus could lead to a severe respiratory infection.”

Give the gift of layers of protection and visit myhealthunit.ca for more information on the flu and COVID-19.

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Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca