Saskatchewan doctor shares tips to stay healthy this cold and flu season

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“That same cold and dry air weakens your body’s first line of defense, the nose and the throat, and that mucus clearance that it does to catch and clear the germs,” she explained. “Then it’s a numbers game: kids go back to school, the weather pushes the adults back indoors, and we spend a lot more time together in tighter spaces, breathing each other’s air.”

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Dr. Holinaty said if you have a fever, the best thing to take is Tylenol or ibuprofen. Whereas if you have a cough, she explained cough medicine might not be the best option.

“Essentially, a cough medicine, for the most part, is just a syrup that tastes nice and convinces people that they’re doing something, but probably doesn’t help at all. If you’re really trying to suppress things like a cough, just plain old honey probably works better than most of the cough syrups you’re going to get over the counter.”

When it comes to kids, Dr. Holinaty said it is important to teach them to wash their hands often, especially if they have been coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose.

“Kids are little germ factories, and they love to share.”

She also encourages people to stay home when they are sick.

“Don’t share your germs with your colleagues and your classmates; they won’t appreciate it. Get your flu shots and make sure your other vaccinations are up to date, and get fresh air when you can.”

Fall immunizations officially roll out in Saskatchewan on Oct.13; anyone six months and older can get both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.

“COVID shots still exist, you can get them at the same time as your flu shot, they’re just maybe less widely available than where the flu shots might be, but they still are available for a booster dose into the spring of next year,” said Dr. Holinaty. “I would say if you haven’t had one, if you’re thinking about it, definitely do get one. We’re still seeing COVID around; people still do get quite sick from it.”

You can book an appointment online through the Saskatchewan Health Authority here.