Thanksgiving: If you're sick, skip that visit with loved ones, says Dr. Perry Kendall

The Thanksgiving long weekend may be a time for family, but if you are feeling under the weather, stay home from that big dinner and postpone visits to elderly relatives, advises B.C.'s provincial health officer.

There have already been at least three H3N2 flu outbreaks in long-term care homes in B.C. this season, saidDr. Perry Kendall, as well asother viruses giving people flu-like symptoms, such as enteroviruses and rhinoviruses.

"We have Thanksgiving weekend coming up, so I would really advise anybody who is coughing and hacking and feeling crappy to stay away from social gatherings," said Kendall.

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"If you're thinking of going to visit a grandparent or beloved one in a hospital or long-term care facility, put it off until you feel well."

Kendall also offered some reminders about the best ways to stay healthy, and avoid spreading sickness:

• Frequent handwashing.
• Coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or your sleeve.
• Getting the seasonal influenza vaccine.

There is not a great match between the seasonal flu shot and the H3N2 flu strain this year, but the protection offered is still worth getting it, especially for people at risk, said Kendall.