Dr. Tyagi’s five tips for flu prevention

Dr. Gaurav Tyagi, MD, ABEM, is William Osler Health System’s (Osler) Site Chief of Emergency at Etobicoke General Hospital. Dr. Tyagi completed medical school at Wayne State University School of Medicine and residency training at Rutgers University in the United States of America before joining Osler in 2020.

The cold and flu season is here. William Osler Health System’s Dr. Tyagi shares his five tips for flu prevention:

Get vaccinated

The best defence against the flu is vaccination. The flu vaccine gives your body protection if you are exposed to the flu virus. Health Canada recommends the flu shot for anyone six months of age and older. Check with your family physician or pharmacist and make sure you and your family are up to date with your vaccinations and are protected against the virus. There is a chance you will get the flu even after being vaccinated, although symptoms should be greatly reduced.

Cover your mouth and use your arm

When sneezing or coughing, always cover your mouth to prevent spreading the virus further. Sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow, not your hand. This will further reduce the spread of the virus through contact with surfaces others might also touch.

Wash your hands often

The flu virus can survive on hard surfaces like door handles, elevator buttons, gas pumps and other commonly touched surfaces for 24 to 48 hours. To prevent infection, wash your hands frequently throughout the day and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Good hand washing habits include using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, lathering and rubbing all parts of your hands, and rinsing and drying them well. When water and soap are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 per cent alcohol.

Keep your environment clean

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and phones. This helps reduce the likelihood of germs spreading in your home or workspace.

Stay home if you are sick

If you are sick or have symptoms of a respiratory illness like the flu or a cold, stay home. Always avoid contact with others when you are not feeling well. You will help reduce the spread of the flu and give your body time to recover. Do yourself and those around a favour – stay home, rest and get better.