Summer is over, and the flu season is here upon us. As our society keeps taking precautions against COVID-19, we also want to keep in mind that we all need to be cautious and protect our employees and families against the seasonal flu.
Read on to discover how best to protect yourself, your employees and your family from influenza.
What is influenza or Flu?
Influenza flu is a viral disease of the respiratory system which causes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and malaise. Usually benign and self-limiting, it can sometimes present complications, leading to hospitalization and even death in extreme cases.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
The disease usually begins suddenly, with a high fever and cough. Then there may be muscle pain, sore throat, headache, runny nose, intense malaise, and dry cough. Fever is the most crucial symptom and lasts around three days. Respiratory symptoms persist for three to five days after the fever has disappeared. Some cases may require hospitalization.
What are the signs of aggravation and complications of the flu?
The most common complications are Bacterial and other viral pneumonia, Sinusitis, Otitis, Dehydration, worsening of chronic diseases such as heart failure, asthma or diabetes, and Primary Influenza Pneumonia, which occurs predominantly in people with cardiovascular disease (an especially rheumatic disease with mitral stenosis valve) or pregnant women.
The following are signs of worsening: Appearance of shortness of breath, tachycardia, persistence or increase in fever for more than three days and WORSE of preexisting diseases. In the event of these signs, patients with flu syndrome should immediately return to the health service for reassessment.
How to prevent the Flu?
General preventive measures are helpful and should not be forgotten; they are:
- Wash and sanitize your hands frequently, especially before consuming any food.
- Use disposable tissue for nasal hygiene;
- When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose
- Avoid touching mucous membranes of eyes, nose and mouth;
- Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing;
- Do not share personal objects, such as cutlery, plates, glasses or bottles;
- Keep environments well-ventilated. Avoid agglomerations and closed environments;
- Try to avoid contact with infected people;
- Have healthy habits, with a balanced diet and plenty of fluid intake.
- Annual vaccination against influenza for target groups is the main preventive measure. It is indicated even for those who received the vaccine in the previous season, as there is a decline in the number of protective antibodies.
How can you help your team prepare for flu season?
This fall, we at BCCA Employee Benefit Trust have arranged flu clinics with each BCCA regional construction association (NRCA, VRCA, VICA, SICA). Please take a few minutes from your day and set for your employees and their families to get flu shots this November. Dates and times are listed below, and you can book your spot at https://bcca.calendarspots.com/.
Can children receive the vaccine at the BCCA Employee Benefit Trust flu shot clinics?
Almost everyone six months of age and older should be vaccinated for the flu yearly. However, children under the age of 5 will not be able to participate in the BCCA EBT clinics: “BC-certified injection pharmacists have the authority to administer immunizations for five years of age and older. For those under 19, our pharmacists would ensure the minor understands the need for treatment, what treatment involves, risks/benefits, and ensure treatment is in the minor’s best interest as per Infants Act.” To arrange a flu shot for your children under five years of age.
If you bring in children five years old or older for their vaccine, please note that they will require a second dose of the vaccine as a follow-up.
Are you interested in organizing your own flu shot clinics? Learn how you can start!
Dates & Locations
Northern Regional Construction Association (Prince George)
Location: 3851 – 18th Avenue, Prince George, BC V2N 1B1
Date: November 14, 2022 | 09:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Contact: Kayla Hearn| 250-596-9900 | Khearn@nrca.ca
Southern Interior Construction Association (Kamloops & Kelowna)
Location: #101-1410 Pearson Place, Kamloops, BC V1S 1J9
Date: November 1, 2022 – 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: #104-151 Commercial Drive, Kelowna BC
Date: November 2, 2022 – 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact: Janice | 250-491-7330 | JaniceH@sicabc.ca
Vancouver Island Construction Association (Victoria & Nanaimo)
Location:#5-1850 Northfield Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 3B3
Date: November 18, 2022 – 9:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Location: 1075 Alston Street, Victoria, BC V9A 3S6
Date: November 14, 2022 – 9:00 – 2:00 PM
Contact: Owen O’Rourke| 25-.800-1722 | comms.events@vicabc.ca
Vancouver Regional Construction Association (Vancouver)
Location: 3636 E 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5M 1M3
Date: November 10, 2022 – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Contact: Lina Ma | 604-293-6583 | Lina@vrca.ca
BCCA Employee Benefit Trust (Burnaby)
Location:#120-4401 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, BC V5C 6G9
Date: November 3, 2021 – 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Contact: Maycon Herbert | 604-296-3258 | maycon@bccabenefits.ca
