submitted articleInfluenza is an infection of the upper airway caused by an influenza virus. Influenza symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, extreme tiredness, and cough. If you have these symptoms please stay home from school, work and other public places. Wash your hands frequently and wear a mask if you have to be out in public to protect others. How to avoid: • Get your seasonal flu shot - Skidegate Health Centre will take drop-in clients Thursday January 9, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.• Wash your hands frequently• Stay away from others with an influenza-like-illness. If you have to be in close contact with others who are sick you may choose to wear a mask to avoid breathing in viral droplets. If you have influenza-like -illness: • Stay home - do not attend school, work or public events. If you must be out in public, please wear a mask to protect others. • Get plenty of rest. • Drink extra fluids to replace those lost from fever. • Avoid smoking and ask others not to smoke in the house. • Breathe moist air from a hot shower or from a sink filled with hot water to help clear a stuffy nose. Call 811 to speak with a nurse if you have more questions or go to www.healthlinkbc.caYou do not need to inform your Public Health Unit if you experience influenza-like-illness.Consult your health care provider early if you develop flu-like symptoms and you have a condition that puts you at higher risk of complications (such as asthma). You should also call your health care provider if your symptoms get worse, such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, or signs of dehydration (such as dizziness when standing or low urine output).