Five Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones During Flu Season
Flu season affects everyone, but it can be more challenging when you live, work or gather in shared environments. The good news? Small, everyday actions can go a long way in keeping you, your loved ones and your community healthy for the rest of the season.
These recommendations are based on guidance from Health Canada, Public Health Ontario, the City of Toronto and Sinai Health.
Get vaccinated.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from the flu and other respiratory viruses. Vaccines can lower your chances of getting sick and help reduce symptoms if you do become ill.
Sherbourne Health offers COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, and RSV vaccines for eligible clients. If you’re unsure about eligibility, please speak with a doctor or nurse practitioner before booking.
Practise good hand hygiene.
Washing your hands often is a simple and effective way to limit the spread of germs. Use soap and warm water when possible or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth as much as possible.
Learn more about practising good hand hygiene.
If you’re feeling sick, limit close contact when you can.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as a fever, cough or runny nose, try to reduce close contact with others when possible. Not everyone has the option to stay home when feeling unwell, and that’s okay. If you have access to a quieter corner, a resting area or a spot where you can step away from others, using it can help you recover and reduce the spread of illness.
When that’s not possible, small steps like wearing a mask, keeping distance in shared spaces and spending time in well-ventilated areas can still help protect the people around you.
Learn more about layers of protection to protect yourself and others.
Cover your cough or sneeze.
Coughing or sneezing can spread viruses to the people around you. Covering your cough or sneeze with an elbow or tissue—instead of your hands—can help reduce the spread of germs to surfaces and other people.
Clean shared surfaces.
Viruses can live on surfaces. They can spread when you touch a surface with the virus on it, then touch your mouth, nose or eyes. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches and electronic devices can help prevent the spread.