Preventing Infections

Many infections are spread person-to-person. Infection can even be spread before symptoms show up or after they have stopped. Some of the ways people spread infections to others include coughing, sneezing and touching other people and things with unwashed hands.

Keep reading for tips on how you can help reduce the risk of getting sick for yourself and others.

Businesses and organizations can learn more about their role in preventing infections by visiting Health Standards for Business. 

Help prevent the spread of infections

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly throughout the day.
• 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.
• Practice good respiratory hygiene.
• Don't share personal items.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are commonly touched.
• Handle food safely.
• Keep up to date with vaccinations.
• Stay home if you are feeling sick.

Handwashing

Infections spread when people touch something that has been contaminated with a virus, then touch their mouth, eyes or nose with their unwashed hands. 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.

Six steps to proper hand washing

1. Wet hands under warm running water.
2. Apply enough liquid soap to cover all areas of your hands. Antibacterial soap is not required.
3. Rub hands together for at least 15 seconds. Rub finger tips, between fingers, back of hands, base of thumbs and under wrist creating lather.
4. Rinse off all soap under warm running water.
5. Dry hands with a clean, single-use towel.
6. Turn off water with towel.

Printable handwashing resources

Handwashing sign Handwashing details poster

Respiratory hygiene

Good respiratory hygiene helps prevent germs from going into the air or onto your hands. Sneeze and cough into your elbow or use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose.

Printable respiratory hygiene resource

Help stop the spread of germs poster

Cleaning and disinfecting

Cleaning items that are frequently touched helps reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. In the home, this includes things like door knobs, light switches, remotes, bathroom sinks and taps.

Businesses and public places should regularly clean and disinfect high touch items like like railings, debit machines, door handles, countertops, desks, keyboards and elevator buttons.

Health Canada has a useful cleaning and disinfecting resource available for more information.

Stay home when 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.
• Employers should review and communicate sick leave policies each year, especially during respiratory virus season.