Healthy Habits Help Reduce the Spread of Germs
Most people don’t realize how many germs, viruses, and bacteria they encounter each day. While there is no way to prevent or cure the common cold or flu, you can help reduce the likelihood of getting sick by limiting the transmission of germs that may cause infection.
Keep Your Hands Clean
Wash hands frequently or carry alcohol-based hand sanitizing gels or wipes to avoid spread of cold and flu viruses.
Cover Your Cough
Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands. Instead, turn away from others and cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a disposable tissue.
Don’t Share Personal Items
To help avoid cross-infection and cross-contamination, don’t share pens, cups, and thermometers.
Be Conscious of Common Areas
Some cold and flu viruses can live on surfaces like tables, doorknobs, and desks for more than two hours. If you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands, you may spread germs.
Stock Up on Key Items
Keep a supply of hand-sanitizing gels and wipes, masks, gloves, and a thermometer for each member of the family.
Slow Down
Make sure to get enough sleep, and remember to relax. You’re more likely to get sick when stressed out.
Stay Home if You’re Sick
Going to work or school while you’re sick exposes other people to your cold or flu viruses. You need rest in order to get well.
The Cold Facts1
- Canadians suffer over 200 million colds a year
- Colds are the cause of 40% of all time off work.
- Colds are the cause of 30% of all time off school.
- Flu is responsible for, on average, 20,000 hospitalizations and 4,000 to 8,000 deaths in a year in Canada.2
- Healthy adults can spread the flu virus a day before flu symptoms appear and up to 7 days after becoming sick
- Viruses can live for more than 2 hours on tables, doorknobs, desks, and other surfaces.
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