Mind Your Manners
Respiratory Etiquette
by Kathy EastonJust when you finally have your family saying please and thank you, there is a new etiquette to teach them. Miss Manners has added respiratory etiquette to her list of socially acceptable behaviours as a way to keep yourself, your family and everyone else healthy.
Influenza season is upon us as it is every year at this time. Colds and the flu are more common during the winter months in Canada, with flu season typically starting in November and lasting until April. Influenza and other respiratory viruses are passed from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat. Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others. Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when you touch your mouth or nose.
Influenzas and colds are spread through physical contact, such as when you touch, kiss or shake hands with infected people and their secretions (for example, from a runny nose) and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose with the dirty hand. Many viruses can live for at least half an hour on the hands, and for several hours on countertops, toys and other surfaces. They are also spread through the air, on tiny droplets of infected water that come out when someone with a cold or flu sneezes or coughs near you.
It is important to talk to your children about influenza. News reports often focus on worst-case scenarios but simple explanations can go a long way in reducing their fears. Teaching them how to stay healthy can also reduce their fears and increase their sense of control over their well-being.
Respiratory etiquette to prevent the spread of colds and flu:
• Cough in your cuff, sneeze in your sleeve. Covering coughs this way prevents viruses being spread from contaminated hands and from being passed through the air.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and if you do, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Use tissues on runny noses, throw tissues in the garbage right away, and wash your hands afterward.
• Stay at home and keep kids home when they are sick and stay away from other people until you are better.
Other things you can do to keep yourself, your family, and everyone else healthy:
• Get a flu shot; immunization is your best protection against seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza. There are two vaccines this year, one to protect against seasonal influenza and one to protect against H1N1. Eligibility criteria for the publicly funded vaccine will be posted on VIHA’s website.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially if you or someone around you is sick. Wash your hands before eating and after coughing. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Handwashing plays a major role in slowing the spread of pandemic influenza, and good hand hygiene habits will help stop the spread of seasonal influenza and other diseases.
• Keep your immune system healthy by getting plenty of rest and eating healthy foods. Not getting enough sleep can weaken the immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections. Your body has a better chance of fighting harmful germs if you eat regular meals of healthy foods, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruit.
For more information:
• If you are concerned about any illnesses or symptoms call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, 24 hours a day/seven days a week to speak to a nurse.
• About the vaccine and who qualifies for free vaccine:
www.viha.ca• For up to date information on H1N1 and seasonal influenza:
www.viha.ca• For immunization information:
www.ImmunizeBC.caPlease mind your manners and keep yourself, your family and everyone else healthy.
Kathy Easton is an Immunization Program Public Health Nurse with Child, Youth and Family Community Health Vancouver Island Health Authority.
