Illnesses like the flu, or influenza, and colds are caused by viruses. Flu and cold viruses spread from person to person by way of coughing, sneezing or simply talking. Droplets from an infected person get into the air and are inhaled by people nearby. Anyone within 3 feet can easily be infected.
Flu and cold viruses can also spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his eyes, nose or mouth. Flu and cold viruses can live for hours on surfaces like doorknobs, desks and tables.
People can start by learning healthy habits that can help prevent them from getting infected or spreading flu and cold viruses at home, school or work. They should take the following precautions even if they do not feel sick. People can be infected and able to spread germs 24 hours before their symptoms begin.
How to Help Stop the Spread of Germs
• Maintaining health to keep immune systems in good shape.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. The healthier people are, the better their immune system will be at defending their body against a virus.
• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then dispose of tissues where others will not contact them. If there is not a tissue, cover a cough or sneeze with a shirt sleeve at the elbow bend of the arm. Be sure to clean hands every time after coughing or sneezing.
• Clean hands often.
When available, wash hands -- with soap and warm water -- then rub hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. People can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using a gel, rub the gel into hands until they are dry. The gel does not need water to work; the alcohol in the gel kills germs that cause colds and the flu.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can live for a long time (some can live for two hours or more) on surfaces like doorknobs, desks and tables.
• Talk to a doctor about a flu shot.
Flu shots are recommended if a person is older than 60, has a chronic illness, or just wants to decrease her chances of getting the flu.
• Do not share utensils or drinks.
In cafeteria settings, it is not uncommon for people to casually share utensils or take a sip from someone else's drink. This should be completely avoided if there is any risk of a flu pandemic.
• Stay home when sick and check with a health care provider when needed.
When people are sick or have flu symptoms, they should stay home, get plenty of rest and check with a health care provider as needed.
• Keeping distance from others may protect them from getting sick.
Common symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Practicing healthy habits will help people stay healthy during flu outbreaks and all year long.
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