![White stripe background](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/neocitran/master/desktop/articles/neocitran-cold-and-flu-basics-factstop-border-desktop.png?auto=format)
Common ways cold and flu viruses spread
![Germs in air](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/neocitran/master/desktop/articles/neocitran-cold-flu-basics-prevention-secondary-image-small-canada-desktop-1.jpg?auto=format)
Passed through the air by coughing and sneezing.
![Person touching doorknob](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/neocitran/master/desktop/articles/neocitran-cold-flu-basics-prevention-secondary-image-small-canada-desktop-2.jpg?auto=format)
Physical contact with the virus on objects.
![Woman rubbing her eyes](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/neocitran/master/desktop/articles/neocitran-cold-flu-basics-prevention-secondary-image-small-canada-desktop-3.jpg?auto=format)
Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands.
Fight cold and flu viruses with these
![Hands being washed](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/neocitran/master/desktop/articles/neocitran-cold-flu-basics-prevention-secondary-image-small-canada-desktop-4.jpg?auto=format)
Clean your hands often with an alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water.
![Flu Shot](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/neocitran/master/desktop/articles/neocitran-cold-flu-basics-prevention-secondary-image-small-canada-desktop-5.jpg?auto=format)
Get an annual flu shot before the start of flu season. It takes at least 2 weeks to build immunity. There is no vaccination for the common cold.