Health Tip: Prevent Passing Germs

(HealthDay News) -- Viruses that cause the common cold or flu are spread in droplets produced when a person coughs or sneezes, a process the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls "droplet spread."

Virus- or bacteria-laden droplets also can spread disease when a person touches a contaminated surface, then touches their own eyes, nose or mouth, the agency says.

The CDC offers these suggestions to help prevent the spread of germs:

  • Always cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Try to sneeze or cough into a tissue instead of your hands.
  • Wash your hands often, and make sure you spend about 20 seconds washing them. That's about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice, the agency notes.
  • Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer or hand-sanitizing wipes to wash your hands when you're not near a sink.
  • Teach children to follow these same practices.

    • Date Published: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Many Kids Unnecessarily Hospitalized Following Allergic Reactions

    Antibiotics Might Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma, Allergies

    Check Your Pantry, Lay's Classic Potato Chips Recalled Due to Milk Allergy Risk

    Seasonal Allergies Likely To Grow Worse Under Climate Change

    Allergy Expert Gives Tips On Seasonal Allergies

    Antibiotics Might Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma, Allergies

    Cities Contribute To Asthma, Researchers Argue

    School-Based Asthma Programs Keep Kids Healthy And Learning

    Digital Tool Potentially Predicts Childhood Asthma

    Asthma Could Raise Miscarriage, Infertility Risks for Women: Study

    Expert Advice on Preparing for the Fall COVID, Flu Season

    Most Americans Won't Get Vaccinated as Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey

    Obesity Raises Risk of Severe Infection, Especially in People With Diabetes

    First U.S. Death From Bird Flu Reported in Louisiana

    This Season's Flu Vaccine Cuts Risk of Hospitalization by Almost 35%