13 | durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, December 22, 2022 | HAPPY HOLIDAYS From Mayor Elizabeth Roy and Members of Council whitby.ca After celebrating the last couple of holiday seasons physically distanced, a new poll shows that many Canadians are planning to return to "traditional" gatherings this year. With everything we've faced over the last few years, it's understandable that we all want to take some time to share in the holiday spirit with family and friends. However, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and prevent the spread of illness as you make the season merry and bright. VACCINATE The influenza (flu) season not only started earlier this year, but also is hitting hard -- especially among children. The flu has increased above usual seasonal levels and hospitalizations remain very high. In addition, COVID-19 is also on the upswing once again. Making sure you and your loved ones receive the flu shot is the best defence against influenza. It is recommended for almost anyone who is aged six months and older. Among the many benefits, the flu shot provides protection if you're exposed to the virus and helps to reduce the spread of the virus. You can get the flu shot at the same time as the COVID-19 booster. Most people under age 65 are recommended to get their COVID-19 booster six months after their last dose or following a COVID-19 infection. If you are older than age 65 or otherwise at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness, you should consider getting the COVID-19 booster three months after your last dose or following a COVID-19 infection. The latest bivalent vaccine against COVID-19 is designed to better protect against the dominant variants currently circulating in Ontario. Together, both vaccines will help to prevent you from getting seriously ill should you come into contact with any of the widely circulating respiratory viruses. SKIP THE GATHERING IF YOU ARE FEELING SICK Although missing the party is sad, making others sick at the party is worse. We typically see a spike in the number of respiratory illnesses just after the holidays. Protect your family and friends by using good judgment and staying home when not feeling well. CONSIDER MASKING WHEN INDOORS Even though it's no longer mandated in most places, using a well-fitting mask when at a public indoor venue or gathering is an additional level of protection against the spread of respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19. KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY HEALTH-CARE OPTIONS Wait times continue to be longer than usual in many Emergency Departments (EDs), including across Lakeridge Health. If your situation is lifethreatening -- when you need immediate medical care or you're a parent who is worried about the health of your child -- head to the nearest ED right away. For less severe problems, consider your options in the community. Call your family doctor. If they are closed, listen to their message to get hours of operation and to learn about after-hours care. For urgent care options, go to our website: www.lh.ca. Also, consider visiting a COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinic. These clinics can test, assess, and provide treatment for people of all ages with COVID-19 or other cold and flu-like illness. Visit our website for a list of cold and flu clinics near you or book an appointment at covid19swab.lh.ca. It's also worth a reminder that Paxlovid is an outpatient treatment for COVID-19 that can reduce the risk of serious illness if started within the first 5 days of symptoms. It is available for individuals 60 years of age or older or who have higher risk of severe illness due to underlying medical conditions. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, including using a home antigen test, and you are eligible for Paxlovid treatment, you can obtain a prescription from any health-care provider or from participating pharmacists in your community. GET TRAVEL INSURANCE IF YOU WILL BE TRAVELLING OUT OF THE PROVINCE OR COUNTRY Travel insurance may not be top of mind when thinking about your holiday destination, but with the flu and other respiratory illnesses circulating, you should consider it. Having the emergency benefit as part of your travel insurance coverage can ensure you are protected from the cost of skyhigh medical bills in the event of any health-care emergency during your trip. For travel within Canada but outside of Ontario, your immediate health care in another province is covered by OHIP but some expenses, such as transport home by air ambulance, if necessary, are not. When all these actions are layered into your holiday planning and preparations, you will make a difference in protecting your own -- and your loved one's -- health during the holidays. As well, your personal efforts will help to reduce the number of people who require hospitalization so that our staff and doctors can cope during this extremely busy respiratory illness season. On behalf of everyone at Lakeridge Health, I wish you and your family a happy, safe and healthy holiday season. Dr. Randy Wax is Lakeridge Health's Chief of Staff. LET'S HAVE A HEALTHY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON OPINION DR. RANDY WAX URGES DURHAM RESIDENTS TO GET FLU VACCINE, COVID-19 BOOSTER RANDY WAX Column Post the details for free in our calendar. Hosting an event online or in the community? DURHAMREGION.COM/EVENTS