Influenza can spread quickly in workplaces, schools, and households, but the good news is that small, consistent habits can greatly reduce your risk. Here are our top tips for staying healthy and resilient this flu season.
1. Get vaccinated early
Your best defence against the flu is the annual influenza vaccine. Each year’s vaccine is updated to match the strains expected to circulate, giving you the most effective protection. If you’re interested, we’ve also written a blog about the 2026 flu vaccine composition.
Getting vaccinated early, before flu activity peaks, helps your body build immunity and reduces the chance of severe illness. It also helps protect vulnerable people around you, including young children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Your eyes, nose and mouth are easy entry points for viruses. Try to avoid touching your face, especially when you’ve been in public spaces or handling shared surfaces. It’s a simple habit that can significantly reduce your risk of picking up or spreading the flu. Keeping hands clean and being mindful of face touching go hand-in-hand for better protection.
3. Practise good respiratory etiquette
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands. Dispose of tissues immediately and sanitise your hands afterwards. These simple actions help limit the spread of respiratory viruses in shared environments.
4. Prioritise hand hygiene
Hands are one of the most common ways the flu virus spreads. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces. When you’re on the go, carry an alcohol-based hand sanitiser to keep germs at bay.
5. Stay home if you’re unwell
It can be tempting to “push through” symptoms, but staying home when you’re sick is one of the most effective ways to prevent flu from spreading in workplaces and communities. Rest helps your body recover faster and protects those who may experience more severe outcomes if they catch the flu.
6. Keep your distance around sick people
Flu spreads easily through droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. If someone around you is unwell, try to keep a safe distance where possible, and avoid close contact until they’re feeling better.
7. Maintain healthy habits year-round
A strong immune system is your best long-term defence. Support it by:
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- Staying physically active
- Managing stress
- Drinking plenty of water
These habits don’t just help during flu season – they benefit your overall wellbeing.
8. Keep your environment clean
Regularly wipe down frequently touched surfaces like door handles, keyboards, mobile phones, and shared equipment. A quick daily clean can significantly reduce germs in your home or workspace.
9. Look out for each other
Flu season is a great reminder to take care of ourselves and our communities. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to get vaccinated, practise good hygiene, and stay home when sick. Collective action helps keep everyone healthier.
Stay healthy, stay prepared
Flu season doesn’t have to disrupt your year. With the right habits and a little preparation, you can protect yourself and help limit the spread of illness in your workplace, family, and community.
Start with vaccination, stay mindful of hygiene, and make healthy choices that support your wellbeing all season long.
