December 13, 2024 Stratford Times Remember those extra layers of protection from respiratory illness this holiday season STRATFORD TIMES STAFF strasfordsimes@gmail.com The wintry weather has now arrived and so, too, has influenza (the flu). Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has received notice of the first lab-confirmed influenza case ee the 2024-2025 season in Huron and Pert Disenet, COVID- 19 and other re- spiratory viruses such as respiratory syn- for your support and friendship. FROM EVERYONE AT At this special time of year we'd like to take a moment to wish our friends, neighbours and customers a beautiful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year. We're truly grateful Trouw Nutrition Canada Inc. Tavistock cytial virus (RSV) and Mycoplasma pneu- moniae continue to circulate in Huron and Perth counties. HPPH urges residents to protect themselves and others from ill- ness, especially during the holidays when more group gatherings are held. “Everyone has a role to play to reduce the spread of respiratory illness,” said Huron-Perth medical officer of health Dr. Miriam Klassen in a press release. “Using multiple layers of protection will reduce Tee. Rs © trouw nutrition @ Nutreco company SAVE ON ALL TICKET TO RIDE & CATAN GAMES c UTicke 70 RIDES w TICRE SELECT BOARD GAME _ TITLES Buy One, Get One 50% off Sel ct Puzzle: your risk of spreading or developing respi- ratory illnesses, including those caused by M. pneumoniae and other pee such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and R: Respiratory illness is spread ae re- spiratory droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs, sneezes, breathes or talks. Close contact with someone who is sick, or touching a surface or object with a virus or bacteria on it, then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes, increases a person’s risk of illness. The following measures can help protect us and others from respiratory illness this season: * Wash or sanitize hands often * Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm (not your hands) or with a tissue * Wear a mask in indoor public settings or in crowded spaces * Practice physical distancing + Spend time outdoors or in well-venti- lated indoor spaces when possible * Stay home when sick, and do not go out in public until symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea). Wear a mask for 10 days following the on- set of illness to prevent further spread. In addition, for 10 days following the onset of illness, avoid visiting people at higher risk of severe illness such as those in long- term care or hospital. * Get vaccines recommended for age and health status, inc’ tie seeional influenza and COVID-19 vacci * Create a plan seit a health-care pro- vider to access antiviral medications for those with chronic health conditions that present a higher risk for complications and hospitalization. + Seek medical care if worrisome, new symptoms develop: such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, or if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening despite treatment Common seasonal respiratory virus- es may not require medical assessment or specific treatments like antibiotics. However, those with pre-existing chronic health conditions may be at higher risk of more severe disease. Seek medical care if an adult or child has severe, persistent, or worsening symptoms, especially if they might be at higher risk of developing se- vere disease. For more information, call Huron Perth Public Health at 1-888-221-2133, visit www. popes ca, or follow HPPH on Face- book and Wo Wale you w Vay QM lll Cnielmas & Happy New Yea Kirk ait Sales Representative D:519.276.19 aes pat @sutton.com @kirk.smith.realt Sutton Souk ~ first choice realty. pike raie