Prevent the spread of germs

Follow simple steps to prevent the spread of germs that cause the flu and other illnesses:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, your arm or your sleeve – not your hand
• Stay at home when you are ill

Learn more about preventing the spread of germs in the below resources prepared by OPH.

The information below is available in other formats. Contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 or request the document in an accessible format.

Hand Hygiene

• Ottawa’s Health is in Your Hands
  Downloadable PDF: Poster 1.2 MB
• Hand washing
  Downloadable PDF: Poster 6.4 MB
• When do I wash my hands
  Downloadable PDF: Poster 214 KB
• Infection control in our community
  Downloadable PDF: Pamphlet 563 KB
• Hand sanitizing
  Downloadable PDF: Poster 5.4 MB
• Hand hygiene recommendations for child care facilities
• Black Spot Video to see how viruses are shared
  Doing It Right Video on hand washing
  Why don’t we do it in our sleeves Video on preventing the spread of germs by coughing and sneezing into your sleeves instead of your hands

Cleaning and disinfection

• Routine cleaning and disinfection of commonly touched surfaces during influenza season
• Routine cleaning and disinfection of toys in child care facilities during influenza season