Respiratory Illness: How to Limit the Spread

• Monitor respiratory infection symptoms (fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, stuffy nose).
• If you have a fever and /or cough, stay home.
• Avoid close contact with other people, as possible, until your fever/cough clear up for at least 48 hours (without the use of medicine like Tylenol).
• Use a thermometer to monitor your temperature. If you don’t have access to a thermometer, symptoms of a fever include feeling feverish and/or chills.
• Tell people around you that you may be contagious, and they should watch for symptoms.

• Keep your distance from other people as it’s possible.
• Avoid contact with vulnerable people (the elderly, people with immunocompromised conditions and other health problems, children, babies).
• Choose remote activities (like telework, if it’s an option).
• Postpone visits to people living in health care facilities. If you can’t postpone, advise the facility that you may be contagious.
• Avoid non-essential social events.
• Wear a medical mask in public indoor places.
• As much as possible, avoid direct contact for greetings, such as handshakes. Choose alternatives (fist bumps).
• If you must go to work, school, or daycare, let staff know you have symptoms of a respiratory infection.  Follow any measures in place. 

In general, it’s not necessary for you to get tested if you have symptoms.

BUT - If you have symptoms and are in one of the following groups, it’s recommended you go to the clinic for a PCR test:

• Healthcare and social services workers in direct contact with patients.
• You have upcoming surgery, or another medical treatment scheduled.
• 60 years or older.
• Immunocompromised.
• 18 and older and have a chronic health condition (diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, liver or kidney disease).
• Pregnant.
• Children under 2
• People who live with someone or care for someone with a higher risk of complications.

A PCR test will help know what kind of infection you have, to get the right treatment available.

• Vaccination offers a strong layer of protection against respiratory infection, spreading infection to others, and severe illness.
• Vaccine protection fades with time. It’s important to get the vaccinations recommended to you, including a flu shot, COVID-19 booster, or any other immunization.
• Talk to a healthcare provider about choices available to you.

Wearing a medical mask that covers your nose and mouth helps reduce the risk of spreading respiratory infection while you’re contagious. 

Wearing a mask also protects you from other people who may have a respiratory infection. 

Wearing a medical mask while indoors in public places is recommended for: 

• People who have symptoms of respiratory infection (cough, sore throat or nasal congestion).
• People with weakened immune systems.
• People who have a health condition that makes them vulnerable.
• Pregnant people.

If you have symptoms and can’t wear a mask, avoid all contact with people. 

When you cough or sneeze: 

• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper or your arm not your hands to reduce the spread of germs.
• Throw the tissue away in a garbage can as soon as possible. Wash your hands afterwards. 

• Wash your hands regularly with water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Disinfect your hands with an alcohol-based solution if you don’t have access to soap and water. 

• Cleaning and disinfecting can remove germs on hard surfaces.
• Get in the habit of regularly cleaning and disinfecting your environment and appliances.
• For example, high-touch counters and surfaces, toilets and sinks. Use a household cleaner-disinfectant.

• During gatherings, make it a habit to open doors and windows to create a current of fresh air.
• Even if it’s cold or humid outside – opening a window for just a few minutes at a time will help circulate fresh air.
• You can also increase air circulation with an air exchanger.