There are a lot of people getting sick this winter.

There are still lots of cases of COVID.

People are catching the flu.

People are getting colds.

Some things you can do to keep safe are

• Wash hands
• Stay away from crowded indoor places
• Wear masks
• Social distance
• Get the COVID vaccination and booster shot
• Get the flu vaccination

How viruses spread

Viruses can spread through the air from a cough or a sneeze.

Viruses can spread when you touch things like a handrail that has a virus on it.

A virus can go from your hands into your body when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Viruses include

• COVID
• a cold
• the flu

How to protect yourself

Wash your hands with soap and warm water often.

Use hand sanitiser.

Wear a mask if

• you  feel sick
• you are worried you might get sick

It does not matter if other people are not wearing masks.

Try not to touch your face.

Wash or sanitise your hands before you do.

Stay away from people who are sick.

Tell your friends, family and support people to stay home if they are sick.

If you are worried stay away from crowded places.

Eat well, exercise and get lots of sleep.

Flu vaccination

You can ask your GP or chemist for a flu vaccination.

The flu vaccination only protects you from some viruses.

Find out more about getting the flu vaccination.

COVID vaccination

Make sure you have had

• your first two doses
• your booster shot

You may be able to get a fourth shot now too.

Watch our video on getting the COVID vaccine.

How to protect others

When you sneeze and cough move away from others.

Sneeze and cough into tissues.

Throw the tissue away, then wash your hands.

If you do not have a tissue sneeze or cough into your elbow not your hand.

If you feel unwell take a COVID test to make sure you do not have it.

If you do have COVID isolate so you do not make anyone else sick.

If you have a cold or flu you should also stay home so you do not spread it.

If you feel sick

• Call your GP
• or the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

If it is an emergency call 000.

For more information call the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787.