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Prevent Seasonal Influenza

You can help prevent influenza by frequently washing your hands, avoiding contact with others who have influenza, coughing and sneezing into your elbow/arm and getting an annual influenza vaccination.

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Prevent influenza with frequent hand washing

Wash your handsWash your hands BEFORE:

  • handling or eating food or feeding others
  • brushing or flossing teeth
  • inserting or removing contact lenses
  • and after treating wounds or cuts

Wash your hands AFTER:

  • having any contact with a person who has influenza or their immediate environment
  • going to the toilet or changing a diaper
  • blowing your nose or wiping a child's nose
  • coughing or sneezing
  • handling garbage
  • Children should wash their hands after playing with toys shared with other children.

How to wash hands:

  • Use regular soap. Antibacterial soap is not necessary. Alcohol hand rubs are also effective
  • Rub hands vigorously together for at least 15 seconds covering all surfaces
  • Rinse under running water
  • Dry with a clean or disposable towel
  • If using a public restroom, use a disposable towel to turn off the faucet to avoid further contact with the tap.

Sneeze into your elbowRespiratory etiquette - "Cover your Cough"

  • Throw away tissues after wiping your nose
  • Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
  • Wash hands after coughing, sneezing or using tissues
  • Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth

Stay home and avoid crowds when sick

  • Visit those who have influenza only if necessary, and stand more than 3 feet away from them 
  • If you are sick, stay home and avoid large crowds as you can spread influenza easily to others

Clean Shared SurfacesKeep Common Surfaces Clean

  • clean common surfaces often, such as light switches, door knobs, and telephone headsets
  • do not share personal items or drinks

Get your annual Infuenza Vaccination

  • Maximum protection occurs two weeks after immunization - lasts for six months
  • Side effects do not occur in everyone but can include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given
  • Influenza vaccine cannot cause influenza
  • Vaccination has been shown to prevent illness in 70-90 per cent of healthy children and adults

Immunization clinics are held each fall. Click here for clinics in your community.

Other Tips to avoid Influenza

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Don't smoke
  • Exercise regularly
  • Take a multivitamin daily, if you are an older adult
  • Decrease stress, stay optimistic and be socially active

Be prepared

Everyone should plan ahead in case they become ill with influenza. This is especially important if you live alone, are a single parent or a caregiver.

  • Have enough fluids and other supplies, such as tissues, on hand to last 1 to 2 weeks
  • Have medication for fever and a thermometer handy
  • Know what options are available at work when you are ill, for example working from home
  • Have a backup caregiver for loved ones

Important Links

H1N1 Influenza (Human Swine Flu)

What is the Seasonal flu/influenza?

Information on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination and Vaccination Clinic Dates

Self-care and Seasonal Influenza

Pandemic Influenza


For more information on influenza, refer to the Yukon Health Guide or visit www.ykhealthguide.org.