.png)
How to help prevent the flu?
Nothing can protect you from the flu better than getting vaccinated each and every year. That’s why it’s recommended that every person six months and older, with rare exception, get a flu vaccine each season — especially people who are at a high risk for developing serious complications from the flu.
Flu season can vary from year to year but best practices for not spreading it remains the same.
Find out prevention tips and the best time to get vaccinated so you can be prepared.
In addition to getting the flu shot, there are lots of ways to help protect yourself and others from the flu. Explore the page for flu prevention tips and facts.
Practice healthy habits for year around
It’s always good to practice healthy habits, but especially so when you’re sick. Whether you have the flu or not, getting proper sleep, exercise, drinking enough water each day, and eating a healthy diet can help keep your whole body working the way it should.
Stay home when you’re sick
If possible, stay home from work, school, errands, and activities when you are sick. This will help protect your already weak immune system and keep you from passing on your illness to others.
Wash your hands a lot
Throughout the day, we touch a lot of things—from doorknobs to railings to elevator buttons—which could be spreading germs. Washing your hands often will help protect you from both catching the virus and spreading it into the world around you.
Take your medicine
If you get the flu and your doctor prescribes medication to treat it, make sure you take it! Taking your medication as prescribed can help give you relief from your flu symptoms and could actually shorten the time that you’re sick.
Keep your germs to yourself
Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough is not only common courtesy—it can help keep those around you from getting sick. And whether you’re sick or someone else is, keeping your distance and avoiding close contact can help protect you both.
Your flu forecast
The flu can hit unexpectedly, but keeping track of flu activity during the year can help you take the proper precautions and help you decide when to get your flu vaccine.
Fall
Even though peak flu season is usually in the winter, outbreaks can still happen earlier. Vaccines are typically available at your pharmacy or doctor's office by October, so don't wait too long to help protect yourself!
Winter
Winter time means flu time. See that you get vaccinated as soon as vaccine becomes available to help prevent the flu from keeping you from enjoying your favorite winter activities and celebrations.
Spring
The flu season usually starts going away by March or April, but keeping up with your spring-cleaning year-round can help keep the germs at bay.
Summer
The summer is typically a flu-free season, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be marking your calendar to get your flu shot in the fall!.
The best way to help prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year
In fact, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that everyone six months of age and older gets an annual flu vaccine.
Looking for more educational materials on influenza? Visit the Government of Canada Influenza website to learn more, or check out the influenza resources from Immunize Canada.
