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

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

    FDA Warns Top National Bakery to Stop Listing Allergens in Products When They Aren't There

    Planes' Air Ventilation Can't Spread Nut Allergens to Passengers: Study

    Most Families Exclude Foods Linked to Allergies

    Athletes Can Expect High Ozone, Pollen Counts for Paris Olympics

    Radon Exposure Linked to Increased Asthma Symptoms in Children

    Too Much Fun? Fireworks Displays Quickly Harm Air Quality

    Fast, Easy Nasal Swab Helps Diagnose Asthma Type in Kids

    How Early Antibiotic Use Could Raise Kids' Asthma Risk

    Some Cases of Recurrent Wheeze in Kids May Need New Treatment

    How To Fight Common Wintertime Respiratory Viruses

    Scientists Developing mRNA-Based Vaccine Against H5N1 Bird Flu

    Second Flu Vaccine Meeting Canceled -- What Happens Next?

    Experimental Nasal Spray Might Ward Off Multiple Viruses

    Patient Hospitalized in Louisiana With First U.S. Case of Severe Bird Flu