How is the Flu Prevented?

Get the flu shot every year

The flu shot is your best defense against the flu. The flu shot is recommended for most people over 6 months old, and especially recommended for people in high-risk groups:

  • Seniors
  • Children
  • Childcare workers
  • Healthcare workers
  • People with weak immune systems
  • People with chronic (long-term) diseases like asthma and COPD

The flu shot is not recommended for certain people:

  • People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past
  • Children less than 6 months old
  • People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait until their symptoms lessen before they get the flu shot.

Wash your hands properly and often

How to wash your hands:

  • Remove any jewelry
  • Wet your hands with warm water
  • Apply soap
  • Scrub with soap all over your hands and under nails for 20 seconds (as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday)
  • Rinse your hands for 10 seconds under warm water
  • Dry your hands completely with a paper towel
  • Turn the tap off with a paper towel to avoid getting your hands dirty again

When to wash your hands:

  • Before you eat or prepare food
  • After you use the bathroom or change diapers
  • After you blow your nose, sneeze or cough into your sleeve
  • Before and after taking care of someone who is sick

Download a printable version of this handwashing poster. Post it at home, at school, and at work.

 

Page Last Updated: 18/11/2021