What can you do to prevent infectious respiratory conditions?

Author: Sharon Jang | Reviewers: Phillip Popovich , Katherine Mifflin | Published: 2 September 2020 | Updated: 10 January 2025

In order to avoid getting infectious respiratory conditions, prevention is key, especially in the community. Here is what you can do to stay healthy:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20-30 seconds
• Get vaccinated for pneumonia and the flu. Vaccinations are especially important, as weak evidence suggest that rates of vaccination are still low.
• Stay hydrated! Drinking water can help loosen up the mucus in your lungs.
• Clean surfaces that may have been in contact with a sick person. This includes parts of your wheelchair, including the joystick, pushrims, etc.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking can damage the lung’s ability to fight infections, which can compound issues with an already weak immune system.
• Practice good health habits, such as exercising and having a healthy diet.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Let the people around you know you are feeling unwell. This way they can check up on you and know to avoid close contact.