Preventing Infections

Many infections are spread person-to-person. Infections spread when people touch something that has been contaminated with a virus then touch their mouth, eyes or nose with their unwashed hands. People who are infected with a virus can also spread the virus to other people by touching them with unwashed hands.

Infection can be spread before showing symptoms of being ill and after you have stopped showing symptoms. Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent viruses from spreading especially before and after eating or preparing food, after using the washroom and after coughing or sneezing.

Preventing infections

To prevent the spread of infections, you can:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly throughout the day
  • Use warm water and soap, then lather and scrub for at least 15 seconds
  • Rinse hands under warm, running water
  • Dry hands using a clean towel
• Sanitize your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Try not to touch your face, mouth or eyes with your hands
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow or use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose to prevent germs from going into the air or onto your hands
• Don't share personal items
• Clean and disinfect surfaces in the home that are commonly touched, including door knobs, light switches, remotes, bathroom sinks and taps.
• Stay home if you are feeling sick:
  • Do not visit people in hospitals or long-term care facilities
  • Do not send children to child care centres or school if they are sick

Additional resources

• How to wash your hands
• Handwashing sign
• Infectious Disease Information for Workplaces