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Tips to Fight Germs
Posted: April 1, 2009
The main way that illnesses like colds and flu are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby.
Sometimes germs also can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs and desks.
To avoid getting sick, follow healthy habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
How to stop the spread of germs
Take care to:
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away
- Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue
- Clean your hands often
Stay home when you are sick
When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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