HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA | CANADA B3H 4R2 | +1 (902) 494-2211
H1N1 PREVENTION
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- Wash your hands frequently
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to help remove bacteria and viruses. Wash before and after eating, after you have been in a public place, after using the washroom, after coughing and sneezing and after touching surfaces that may have been contaminated. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also effective in killing viruses. Click here for proper hand-washing technique. [PDF 337k].
- Keep your hands away from your face
In most cases, the H1N1 virus enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand
If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands. Click here for proper cough/sneeze etiquette. [PDF 160k]
- Get immunized
View the latest information on vaccination clinics.
- Keep common surface areas clean and disinfected
Doorknobs, light switches, telephones, keyboards, pens and other surfaces can become contaminated with all kinds of bacteria and viruses. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of these surfaces with normal household disinfectants can help. Viruses can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours.
- Stay healthy
Eat healthy foods and stay physically active to keep your immune system strong.
- If you get sick, stay home
If you think you have the flu and are otherwise healthy, you should stay home from school or work until your symptoms are gone. If your symptoms get worse, call your health care provider.
Should I wear a mask?
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) does not recommend the public wear surgical masks to protect against H1N1. Evidence shows these are not effective in preventing spread of influenza in the public. People often wear masks incorrectly, or contaminate them when putting them on and taking them off, which could increase the risk of illness.