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
YEAR ROUND.

Its always good to practice healthy habits,
but especially so when youre 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.

Couple in their 60's wearing helmets and riding a scooter together.

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.

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.

Close up of hands being washed under running water.

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.

A generic prescription medicine bottle on a light blue background.

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.

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.

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!

Fall

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.

Winter

The flu usually starts going away by March or April, but keeping up with your spring-cleaning year round can help keep the germs at bay.

Spring

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!

summer

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.

Visit the Government of Canada Influenza website to learn more.

Looking for more educational materials on influenza? Check out the influenza resources from Immunize Canada.