Steps for limiting the spread of respiratory infectious diseases

Monitor your symptoms

Monitor your health and the onset of symptoms of respiratory infectious diseases.

If you have symptoms, follow these instructions to take care of yourself and others:

• If you have a fever, stay home
• If you have a new or worsened cough, sore throat or nasal congestion, wear a mask when socializing, until symptoms subside

For 10 days after the onset of symptoms:

• Keep your distance from others as much as possible
• Avoid contact with vulnerable people, such as the elderly, children under one year of age, and particularly those under three months of age, the immunocompromised people, those with health problems and pregnant people. If this is not possible, wear a mask
• Postpone visits to people living in health care and residential facilities (e.g. CHSLD). If this is not possible, advise the person in charge of the facility that you may be contagious; arrangements could be made
• Avoid direct contact for greetings, such as shaking hands and choose other practices
• Choose remote activities, if possible, such as telework
• Avoid non-essential social events
• Tell the people you are in contact with that you might be contagious

If you are considered to be at high risk of complications from COVID-19, make an appointment to be tested for COVID-19 at a local health center. If you have COVID-19, you may be offered treatment to reduce the risk of complications. Talk to your pharmacist.

If you have to go to work, school or daycare, notify the head of the establishment that you have symptoms of a respiratory infectious disease and follow the measures in force in the establishment.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date

Vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 is recommended for people at risk of developing complications if they contract these viruses. Find out if these vaccines are recommended for you. If so, you can book an appointment online or by calling 1-877-644-4545.

Book an appointment online with Clic Santé

See the Vaccination against respiratory viruses page to find out more.

Cover your face

Wearing a mask reduces the risk of transmission of several infectious respiratory diseases. The following individuals are recommended to wear a mask:

• People who have symptoms of a respiratory infectious disease (fever, cough, sore throat or nasal congestion) during social interactions until symptoms disappear
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who have a health condition that makes them vulnerable
• Pregnant people

Wearing a mask may be required in certain facilities where medical care is provided. Refer to the Wearing the mask page if necessary.

Cough into your elbow

When you cough or sneeze:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a paper tissue or your arm to reduce the spread of germs.
• If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and follow up with hand hygiene.

Keep your hands clean

Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. An alcohol-based solution can be used if soap and water are not available.

Consult the hand washing techniques as needed.

Apply recognized hygiene measures

Cleaning and disinfecting are highly effective in eliminating germs which can survive on hard surfaces.

Get in the habit of regularly cleaning and disinfecting your environment and the sanitary appliances that you use. For example, counters and surfaces you often touch, as well as toilets and sinks must be cleaned and disinfected with a household cleaner-disinfectant.

Ventilate your home well

During gatherings, you can regularly open the doors and windows to create a current of fresh air. Even if it is cold or humid outside, opening a window for just a few minutes at a time should help. You can also increase the air circulation of the air exchanger when you have guests.