Simple actions can help prevent infectious diseases from spreading. Washing your hands, staying home when you are sick, keeping your immunizations up to date and following good hygiene practices can help protect you and those around you.

Use the information below to learn how diseases spread and what you can do to reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection.

How infectious diseases spread

Infectious diseases can spread in different ways. Knowing how an illness spreads can help you take the right steps to protect yourself and others.

Protect yourself and others

Wash your hands

Washing your hands regularly is one of the best ways to prevent infections from spreading.

Wash your hands:

• Before preparing or eating food
• After using the washroom
• After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• After changing diapers
• After touching or feeding animals
• When you return home from public places
• Whenever your hands are visibly dirty

Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 70 to 90 per cent alcohol.

Stay home when you are sick

If you are sick, staying home when possible can help prevent spreading illness to others.

While you are recovering:

• Limit close contact with other people
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
• Follow advice from your healthcare provider or Public Health, when applicable
• Return to your regular activities when your symptoms are improving and you feel well enough to participate

Cover coughs and sneezes

Help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses:

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
• Put used tissues in the garbage
• Wash or sanitize your hands afterward

Keep your immunizations up to date

Vaccines help protect against many infectious diseases and can reduce the risk of serious illness. Make sure you and your family are up to date with recommended immunizations.

Clean and disinfect surfaces

Regular cleaning removes dirt and many germs. Disinfecting can help kill germs that remain on surfaces. Pay particular attention to frequently touched surfaces such as:

• Door handles
• Light switches
• Phones and remote controls
• Countertops
• Bathroom fixtures
• Computer keyboards and other shared equipment

If someone in your household is sick, clean and disinfect shared spaces more often.

Always follow the directions on the disinfectant label, including how long the surface needs to remain wet for the product to work properly.

For vomiting or diarrhea illnesses, such as norovirus, additional cleaning and disinfection measures may be needed. Use a disinfectant that is effective against the illness and follow the product instructions.

Outbreaks and pandemics

An outbreak occurs when more cases of an infectious disease happen than would normally be expected in a particular place or group.

A pandemic occurs when a new disease spreads across several countries or regions and affects a large number of people.

During an outbreak or pandemic, public health may recommend additional measures based on how the disease spreads and who is most at risk. Follow current public health guidance and information from trusted health sources.

Be prepared for illness at home

Keeping a few basic supplies on hand can make it easier to care for yourself or someone in your household who becomes sick.

Consider having:

• Soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Household cleaning and disinfecting products
• Masks
• A thermometer
• Any medications you regularly need
• Food and fluids that are easy to prepare while you are sick

If you are concerned about your health

If you have questions about your symptoms or health, contact your healthcare provider or Health811. Call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency.