Protect Yourself and Others
All strains of influenza can be dangerous; however, good infection prevention measures can help protect you and others if this virus begins to spread rapidly in Canada.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water or use hand sanitizer
- Cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand
- Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected
- Stay home if you’re sick, unless directed to seek medical care
Prevent H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) with frequent handwashing
Handwashing, when done correctly, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Good handwashing technique is easy to learn and can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases among both children and adults. 
More information on how to wash your hands.
Cover your cough and sneeze
Sneeze and cough into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue. After wiping or blowing your nose with a tissue, throw away the tissue and wash your hands. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth
Stay at home and avoid crowds when sick
If you are sick, avoid going to work and being in large crowds as you can spread influenza easily to others. You should also visit those who are sick only if necessary.
Keep common surfaces clean
Keep personal items separate if a household member is sick. Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces around a person who is sick with the influenza. Do not share personal items or drinks.
Does the annual influenza vaccination protect me from H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu)?
This year’s annual influenza immunization, or flu shot, protects against the human strain of H1N1 influenza. The human swine influenza H1N1 strain is different than the human strain. It is unlikely that the seasonal flu shot will provide protection against H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu). The flu shot will protect against the seasonal influenza, which is still circulating in Mexico.
