Five simple tips to stay healthy during cold and flu season

As temperatures drop, daily routines often shift indoors - at work, school, and during time spent with family and friends. These close, shared spaces make it easier for viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV to spread, which is why respiratory illnesses are more common during the colder months.

While many people recover quickly from these infections, they can be more serious for some, including older adults, young children, people who are pregnant, and those living with chronic conditions. Taking steps to reduce the spread of illness can help limit disruptions to daily life and protect those who may be more vulnerable.

“There’s a lot we can do in our day-to-day routines to lower the risk of getting sick and passing illness on to others,” says Dr. Sukhdeo. She offers five tips to reduce your risk and help protect others: 

Tip 1: Vaccines help reduce the risk of serious illness

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against severe illness from influenza and COVID-19. Getting vaccinated can lower your chances of getting sick and help reduce complications if you do become ill. 

“Everyone over the age of six months is eligible for the flu shot each year,” says Dr. Sukhdeo. “Your primary care provider or pharmacist can help you decide what’s right for you, including whether a COVID-19 vaccine is recommended.”

Tip 2: Clean your hands often with soap and water 

This advice may seem like common sense, but it’s also true: Maintaining good hand hygiene can lower your chances of getting sick. “Cleaning your hands often is one of the easiest ways to limit the spread of germs,” explains Dr. Sukhdeo. 

Respiratory viruses often spread through the air, but germs on your hands can also enter the body when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Washing your hands regularly is a simple way to reduce this risk. Use soap and warm water whenever possible, especially after being in public places or before eating. When soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 70 to 90 per cent alcohol is a good alternative.

Tip 3: Covering coughs and sneezes protects people nearby

Good cough and sneeze etiquette helps prevent respiratory droplets from spreading to others. “If you need to cough or sneeze, turn away from others and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue,” advises Dr. Sukhdeo. “If you don’t have a tissue, use your elbow or upper sleeve instead of your hands.”
 

Tip 4: Staying home when sick helps limit spread and mask up

If you’re feeling unwell, staying home whenever possible is one of the most effective ways to avoid passing viral illness on to others. This includes work, school, and social activities. “If you do need to go out while you’re sick, wearing a mask can help protect others,” adds Dr. Sukhdeo. 

Masks can reduce the spread of germs from someone who is ill and may also provide added protection in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
 

Tip 5: Cleaning shared surfaces adds an extra layer of protection

Some viruses can survive on surfaces for a period of time, making regular cleaning an important prevention step, especially in places used by many people. Focus on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, phones, keyboards, handrails, and bathroom fixtures at home and in shared spaces. 

“High-touch items like phones, keyboards, and door handles should be cleaned and disinfected regularly,” says Dr. Sukhdeo.

Taking care this cold and flu season

Flu and other respiratory viruses can affect how we move through daily life, from missed work or school to disruptions at home. Simple, consistent habits like vaccines, frequent hand hygiene, staying home when sick, masking up and cleaning shared spaces can help reduce the spread of illness throughout the season. 

By taking these steps, you’re helping to protect yourself and making everyday spaces safer for the people around you. Watch the reel below to for a quick summary Dr. Sukhdeo share the five tips above: