Infection Prevention

Most people get sick by touching something with germs and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can also enter your body through food, water, or the air you breathe. By following simple steps, you can reduce your risk of infection and protect others.

Keep your hands clean

Your hands are one of the most common ways germs spread. Washing them properly is the best way to stay healthy.

When to wash your hands

Clean your hands often, especially:

• Before eating or cooking

• After using the washroom

• After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose

• After touching animals or animal waste

• After handling garbage

• After changing diapers

• Before and after helping someone who is sick

• Before and after visiting hospitals, schools, or long-term care facilities

How to wash your hands

Washing your hands with soap and water is the most effective way to remove germs:

1. Wet your hands with warm water

2. Apply soap and rub to make bubbles

3. Scrub all over—palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails

4. Keep scrubbing for at least 15 seconds. Sing “Happy Birthday” twice to help time it

5. Rinse with running water

6. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel. Use it to turn off the tap.

Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available

If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 70 per cent alcohol or isopropanol. Follow these steps:

1. Squeeze a pump or two of sanitizer into your hands

2. Rub it all over—palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails

3. Keep rubbing until your hands are dry (15–30 seconds)

View or download the steps for washing your hands from Ontario Public Health (PDF).

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Coughs and sneezes can send germs into the air. Follow these tips to stop the spread:

• Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands.

• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve—not your hands.

Clean and disinfect surfaces

Cleaning removes dirt and germs, while disinfecting kills germs. Both are important for stopping the spread of infections.

Surfaces to clean and disinfect

Pay extra attention to:

• Handles, remotes, and light switches

• Bathroom counters and diaper-changing areas

• Kitchen counters, tables, and cutting boards

• Cots, cribs, and linens

• Toys, play mats, and craft tables

• Outdoor play areas and common spaces

How to clean surfaces

1. Wet the surface with clean water or a cleaning solution

2. Scrub to remove dirt and germs

3. Rinse with clean water

4. Let the surface air dry or wipe with a clean towel

How to disinfect surfaces

After cleaning, disinfect surfaces using one of these methods:

• Spray with an approved disinfectant and let it sit

• Wipe with a disinfectant-soaked cloth or disposable wipe

• Soak items in disinfectant for several minutes, then let them air dry

• Wash items in a commercial dishwasher

How to mix bleach for disinfecting

You can make a bleach solution for different cleaning needs:

• For everyday disinfecting (countertops, floors, tables): Mix two teaspoons (10 ml) of bleach with four cups (1,000 ml) of water. Leave it on the surface for two minutes.

• During sickness (vomiting or diarrhea): Mix four teaspoons (20 ml) of bleach with four cups (1,000 ml) of water. Leave it on the surface for 10 minutes.

View or download the Mixing of Chlorine (Bleach) Solution for Disinfecting (PDF).

Protect yourself with vaccines

Vaccines protect against many serious infections. Staying up to date with immunizations helps protect you, your family, and your community.

Stay home if you’re sick

If you feel unwell, staying home helps stop germs from spreading. Adults and children should stay home when sick. 

For school-aged children, use the Ontario COVID-19 school screening tool daily to check for symptoms and know what steps to take.

Don’t share personal items

Avoid sharing items that may come into contact with bodily fluids, such as:

• Toothbrushes: Even rinsed toothbrushes can spread germs.

• Water bottles: Sharing water bottles can transfer saliva and bacteria.

• Eating utensils: Forks, spoons, and straws can carry germs between users.

• Drug use equipment: Needles, pipes, or other tools can spread infections.

• Items used during sexual activity: Like condoms or dental dams, these can carry bodily fluids that spread germs.

Additional resources for preventing infection

• Clean your hands poster (PDF)

• Wash your hands poster (PDF)

• Brochure: Staying healthy and reducing your risk of infection (PDF)