Help Stop the Spread of Flu and Viruses

Stopping the Flu Starts with You!

Hand Washing

Every time you sneeze or cough into them
When you get to work or school
Before, during & after you prepare food
Before eating
After using the washroom
After meeting with people
When you return home

Do you wash your hands properly?

Warm water works better
Lots of soap
Palms & backs of hands, fingertips, nail beds, in between fingers, thumbs, beyond wrists
Scrub long enough to sing Happy Birthday
Dry thoroughly

Take Action

Remember, action alleviates anxiety. If you’re feeling nervous about keeping your family safe and healthy, do something instead of sitting and fretting.

Teach your kids how to wash hands
Clean your surfaces, devices, doorknobs
Make a healthy meal
Check your emergency kit

Flus are Very Common

Colds and flus are part of everyday life, and they rarely turn into something worse than a sore throat and upset stomach. Every year, a few specific flu viruses become more common than others, and medical professionals develop a vaccine to fight them. The best way to protect your loved ones from standard respiratory illnesses:

Get the flu vaccine
Wash your hands
Stay at home if you’re sick

Is it really that simple?

Some people have compromised immune systems, such as elderly people, infants, and those with chronic conditions. They may have a harder time fighting viruses. These people should definitely get the flu vaccine, wash their hands effectively, and focus on good health habits, such as lots of sleep, healthy diet and exercise. To protect our vulnerable Citizens, it is important for all of us to do the same! And if you’re sick, stay at home. You can return to work (or school) when your fever has been gone for a full day without medication. Most standard respiratory illnesses, such as cold and flu, are airborne. An infected person releases their virus by:

Sneezing & coughing
Improper hand washing
Shaking hands & kissing
Touching doorknobs, counters, phones & devices, remotes

To protect your family:

Wash your hands often & well
Cover your mouth & nose when you sneeze & cough
Avoid sharing food, drink & utensils
Regularly clean common things & places
Change towels, washcloths, handkerchiefs often
Don’t pick your nose, bite your nails, or touch your face

From time to time, an aggressive virus spreads quickly, sometimes around the world. You may remember SARS in 2003, and the coronavirus (COVID-19), which broke out at the end of 2019. At the beginning of an outbreak, before professionals know everything about a virus, people may panic. They pass along misinformation and make things sound worse than they are. Stay up-to-date by getting your information only from recognized, credible news sources. Social media is not believable because anyone can post anything they want!

Search online for these organizations:

NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre
First Nations & Inuit Health Branch
Manitoba Health
Public Health Agency of Canada
World Health Organization

During a global outbreak, keep in mind that the remoteness of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation is actually beneficial to us. And remember, the best way to protect your family is always the same: wash your hands and focus on healthy habits.

How does NCN prepare for flu season?

The health and wellbeing of NCN Citizens is overseen by the Emergency Measures Coordinator, the nursing station, and public health nurses, with input from Chief and Council. They continually educate themselves and train to stay up-to-date and informed, and have policies and procedures in place to keep Citizens healthy in their daily lives, and in cases of emergency.

During flu and virus outbreaks, our professionals receive their knowledge and direction from provincial and federal departments, including First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB). The NCN health team communicates with Citizens through: