Stopping the Spread of Germs

You can take simple steps to help stop the spread of flu and other air-borne viruses:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
• Clean your hands often
• Wipe down your work area every day
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Stay home when you are sick and check with a health-care provider as needed
• Don’t share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, personal items
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Practice good health habits: Drink plenty of liquids, get extra sleep, exercise and eat nutritious meals

Coughing and Sneezing
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands; do this every time you cough or sneeze.

Clean Your Hands Often
When available, wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- then rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds. Soap combined with the scrubbing action helps dislodge and remove germs.

When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using a gel, rub it in your hands until they are dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; alcohol in the gel kills germs that cause colds and flu.