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

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

    What Is Chronic Sinusitis, and How Is it Treated?

    Spring Allergies Have Wide-Ranging Effects

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

    Winter Is Prime Time for Indoor Allergies

    Polluting Puff: Asthma Inhalers Are Big Contributors to Climate Change

    Some Cases of Recurrent Wheeze in Kids May Need New Treatment

    Babies Who Got Only Breast Milk in Hospital Have Lower Asthma Rates

    American Air Is Getting Cleaner, But Benefits Aren't Reaching All

    Roadside Trees, Bushes Are Cutting Air Pollution, Study Finds

    ERs Might Be Good Spots to Offer Flu Shots

    Neosporin Ointment in the Nose Might Be Potent Antibiotic

    Scientists Developing mRNA-Based Vaccine Against H5N1 Bird Flu

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

    Could OTC Nasal Sprays Ease Colds & Flu and Cut Antibiotic Use?