Protect Yourself and Others

All strains of influenza can be dangerous; however, good infection prevention measures can help protect you and others.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water or use hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand
• Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected
• Stay home if you’re sick, and seek medical care

How to wash your hands - 7 Tips:

• Remove all rings and wet your hands with warm running water
• Put a small amount of liquid soap in the palm of one hand. Bar soaps are not as hygienic as liquid soaps because they stay moist and attract germs. If a bar soap is the only option it should be stored on a rack so that the bar doesn't sit in water
• Rub your hands together for 20 seconds so you produce lather. Make sure you scrub between your fingers, under your fingernails and the backs of your hands
• Rinse your hands well with clean running water for at least 10 seconds. Try not to handle the faucets once your hands are clean. Use a paper towel to turn off the water
• Dry your hands with a single use paper towel. If you use a hand towel be sure to change it daily. During cold and flu season you may want to give each family member his or her own hand towel.
• Use hand lotion to put moisture back into your skin if your hands are dry
• Model good hand washing technique to your children. Have them sing a song like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star while rubbing their hands together to teach them the amount of time it takes to clean their hands properly

For Additional Information:

Toronto Public Health www.toronto.ca/health 
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care www.health.gov.on.ca 
Public Health Agency of Canada www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php 
World Health Organization www.who.int