Since the pandemic began, germs have become a top-of-mind concern for many Canadians. Common symptoms we might have ignored pre-pandemic – like a sore throat, sniffles or cough – are no longer simply a minor nuisance.
We are all more aware of getting sick, particularly with visible symptoms like coughing or sneezing. Now more than ever, we don’t want to feel ill, and we certainly don’t want to appear ill either.
As a pharmacist, I know that a cough or cold can leave anyone feeling lousy. As we enter cough and cold season, I’ve put together my top tips to prevent the spread of germs:
Wash your hands: This one may seem obvious, but washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to remove germs and prevent the spread to others. When washing your hands, pay special attention to your palms, the back of each hand, between fingers, thumbs and under fingernails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you need help keeping track of time, try humming the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Since washing your hands with soap and water isn’t always an option, make sure to keep hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol in your bag and your little one’s backpack to help keep hands clean on the go.
Mask up: The pandemic has shown us that wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose, particularly in crowded spaces, is a simple yet effective way to keep germs away. Continue wearing your mask this cold and cough season, and don’t forget to sneeze or cough into your elbow (not your hands)!
Prep your medicine cabinet: Despite best efforts to keep germs at bay, sometimes we find ourselves with a cough or cold. If you find yourself or a loved one sick, your local pharmacist can help you find an over-the-counter medication to provide fast and effective relief for symptoms. Keeping your medicine cabinet stocked will also ensure you’re prepared to address any cold or cough quickly, so you or your loved one can feel better as soon as possible.
There are many steps we can take to protect ourselves and loved ones this cold and cough season. As an added layer of protection, don’t forget to visit your local pharmacy to get your flu shot this fall or winter (it’s never too late) — it’s your best shot at preventing the flu this season.
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Avril Yvette Sun is the pharmacist and owner of Shoppers Drug Mart in Listowel.
