The 2016-2017 influenza season is almost upon us.  As such, it’s important to understand the many ways you can protect yourself as well as your family, friends and colleagues against the flu.  To avoid getting the flu:

1.        Wash your hands often

2.        Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (gel or wipes) nearby

3.        Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze

4.        Avoid touching your face

5.        Stay at home when you’re sick

6.        Get the flu shot 

Where to get your flu shot

The availability of the flu vaccine has increased and is widespread in our community.  Individuals five years of age and older can get a flu shot from their physician, at a clinic, or from their pharmacist.  With the flu vaccine widely available at campus pharmacies and in the community, workplace clinics are no longer necessary.

The flu vaccine is available every day during regular business hours.  Call ahead to check availability at your preferred location.

At McMaster:

·         The University Centre Pharmacy (McMaster Student Centre)

·         McMaster Drugstore (McMaster University Medical Centre)

Close to Main Campus:

·         Shoppers Drug Mart (Main and Emerson)

·         Shoppers Drug Mart (Westdale)

·         Fortinos Pharmacy (Main and Rifle Range Rd) 

Close to Downtown Campuses:

·        Rexall Pharma Plus (Jackson Square)

·         Shopper’s Drug Mart (Main and Hess)

The vaccine is also available in the community

·         From your family doctor

·         From your local pharmacist*

·         Check where you can get a free flu shot in Hamilton

·         Find out where to get a free flu shot in Ontario 

 * Pharmacists can give flu shots to anyone 5 years of age and older.

For more information about the influenza vaccine, please visit the Ontario flu website.

If you get the flu:

·         stay home and get plenty of rest

·         drink lots of fluids

·         avoid drinks with caffeine

·         take basic pain or fever relievers but do not give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to children or teenagers under the age of 18

·         treat muscle pain using a hot water bottle or heating pad — apply heat for short periods of time

·         take a warm bath

·         gargle with a glass of warm salt water or suck on hard candy or lozenges

·         use spray or saline drops for a stuffy nose

·         avoid alcohol and tobacco

Call your doctor or health care provider if:

·         you don’t start to feel better after a few days

·         your symptoms get worse

·         you are in a high-risk group and develop flu symptoms

You can also call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 to talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to provide your OHIP number and all information is confidential.