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Prevent Illness this Respiratory Season

Information on preventing the spread of COVID-19, flu, RSV and other viruses. Contact Health811 to get confidential health advice from a registered nurse 24/7 and avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room.

Learn them, practice them, and teach them.

Tip # 1

Get Vaccinated

The flu shot is recommended for everyone six months of age and older.

Flu shots are available every respiratory season (Nov to March). It is essential to get your flu shot every year. 

  • Flu shots are available at pharmacies and through your healthcare provider.
  • Children six months to two years old can get their flu shot from a doctor or nurse practitioner. Children under two cannot get a flu shot at a pharmacy.

Tip # 2

When you are sick, stay home and rest.

This will help stop the spread of illness.

Tip # 3

Wash your hands

One of the most important ways to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands. Our hands can carry germs, so it is essential to clean them often, even if they don’t look dirty.

  • Wet hands and apply soap.
  • Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Scrub all surfaces.
  • Rinse hands.
  • Dry hands with a clean cloth or paper towel. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet in a public place. Then, throw it in the trash.
  • If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol.

Tip # 4

Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

Droplets produced when coughing or sneezing can spread germs to people or surfaces around you. Cover your mouth with your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Do not use your hands.

  • Wet hands and apply soap.
  • Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Scrub all surfaces.
  • Rinse hands.
  • Dry hands with a clean cloth or paper towel. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet in a public place. Then, throw it in the trash.
  • If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol.

Tip # 5

Clean & Disinfect Commonly Used Surfaces.

Germs can live on surfaces. To prevent the spread of illness,  frequently clean the commonly touched surfaces in your home,  such as doorknobs, handles, bathrooms and cooking surfaces.