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

    Holiday Tips To Keep Allergies and Asthma Under Control

    Mothers' Milk Might Be Key To Avoiding Childhood Food Allergies

    Yes, This is the Worst Pollen Season Ever — Until Next Year

    Rising Tree Pollen Counts Signal Start of Allergy Season

    Tick-Borne Meat Allergy: Many Carry Alpha-Gal Antibodies Without Symptoms

    Vaping Family Members Raise Kids' Asthma Risks

    UV Air Filters Cut Airborne Asthma Triggers, Study Finds

    Wildfire Smoke Puts Millions At Risk Across Midwest, Northeast

    Living With Cats Not Linked To Worse Asthma in Children

    New Discovery Could Change How Asthma Is Treated, Scientists Say

    Moderna Starts Large Bird Flu Study Despite Earlier HHS Funding Loss

    New Vaccine Schedule Released By American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists

    FDA Reverses Course, Approves First mRNA Flu Shot

    RFK Jr. Says Fewer Flu Vaccines for Kids May Be a 'Better Thing'

    Pentagon Drops Flu Vaccine Requirement For U.S. Military