Flu season in Canada starts from late fall until winter. Protect yourself and everyone around you by following these tips:

1. Strengthen your immunity

   Boost your immunity against any kind of sickness by eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Make this your habit all year long, not only during flu season.

   Aside from vitamin C, there are other nutrients you can include in your diet. Look for foods rich in vitamin D, zinc and selenium. Watch the video below to know the foods you can eat to boost your immunity:

   
   5 foods to keep your immune system strong, CBC

2. Get vaccinated

   Vaccination boosts our immune system. Visit your doctor or go to the local public health office, nursing station, pharmacy, ACCESS Centre, or the nearest immunization clinic and ask to know what is best for you. Read the MHSAL page on Seasonal Flu for more information about the flu vaccine.

3. Use preventive measures

   Mask mandates have been lifted, but you can still mask up to protect yourself (and others) whenever you go outside. This is recommended if you are immunocompromised or living with someone who has health issues. Another good practice is ensuring proper ventilation at home and in your workplace.

   • Turn on ceiling fans to help air circulate (make sure they’re pulling air upwards).
   • Invest in a HEPA filter especially if you are living with vulnerable individuals.
   • Change your furnace filters.
   • Turn-on exhaust fans in bathrooms and your stovetop when you have house guests.
   • Open windows and screen doors to help fresh air circulate.

4. Cough and sneeze into your elbow

   This minimizes the amount of infected particles in the air. You should also cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This protects your family and those who are often around you. Make sure to dispose of used tissues immediately and properly.

   If there’s anything we learned during the pandemic, it’s that washing our hands properly and often, prevents us from getting sick. Make this a habit throughout fall and winter.

5. Stay at home

   Consult your doctor if you are not feeling well. Follow doctor’s orders and stay home, rest, and take prescribed medications. Avoid all unnecessary travel. You wouldn’t want to spread your virus and get other people sick too.

   You can also call the Health Links-Info Santé line at 204-788-8200. They will advice you what to do and where to go if you need to get tested. Those experiencing severe symptoms should call 911.

 
Article updated August 9, 2024.

 
Sources: Colliers- protecting yourself and others against respiratory illness (pdf); Seasonal flu, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living; and The benefits of hand washing, Canada.ca.