Alberta Health Services is reminding us of some back to school basics when it comes to health.

Dr. Judy MacDonald, medical officer of health for the Calgary zone, says when students head back to school, it's a good time to check if their vaccines are up to date. She says there's also a preschool vaccine she recommends for children who are attending school for the first time.

MacDonald says it won't be long until flu season is here.

"We do know that for influenza it often shows up first in our children in the community, especially school children, so we remind people that influenza is just around the corner."

Washing hands and using hand sanitizer is helpful in preventing illnesses that aren't vaccine preventable.

MacDonald says when people are sick, they need to avoid places where we could pass it on.

"When any of us get ill with cough and cold type systems, or worse if it's influenza or gastro intestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, it's probably a good idea to stay home and get better, not go to school, not go to work, and not go to daycare."

AHS' influenza vaccine campaign will begin around mid-October and is recommended for those who are six months of age and up.

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