Stop the spread of germs that can make you and others sick!
Influenza (flu) and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.
To help stop the spread of germs:
To help stop the spread of germs:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food
Cover your cough
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
- If you don't have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
- You may be asked to put on a facemask to protect others.
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
hand hygiene
When should you clean your hands?
Hand hygiene is a general term referring to the use of soap & water or a waterless hand rub to cleanse your hands.
It is important to perform hand hygiene as you enter and leave a healthcare facility and also:
It is important to perform hand hygiene as you enter and leave a healthcare facility and also:
- After going to the toilet
- After blowing your nose
- After smoking
- After handling/patting animals
- Before, during and after preparing food
- When your hands are visibly dirty
using alcohol hand rubs?
When hands are visibly dirty
- Remove excess jewellery
- Wet hands with water
- Apply soap
- Rub all over
- Rinse off with water
- Pat hands dry with paper towel
- Dispose of paper towel in bin