Avoiding Germs

Respiratory infections affect the nose, throat and lungs; they include influenza (the "flu"), colds and pertussis (whooping cough). The germs (viruses and bacteria) that cause these infections are spread from person to person in droplets from the nose, throat and lungs of someone who is sick. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Sometimes germs also can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. 

You can help stop the spread of these germs by practicing "respiratory etiquette," or good health manners. Here are some tips to keep from spreading your germs to others, and to keep from catching someone elses germs.

Hand washing the single most effective way to avoid both spreading and catching germs!! Wash your as soon as you sneeze or cough, if you don't always have a sink nearby use antiseptic wipes. When you wash your hands warm water and soap will kill the germs, but be sure you don’t rush. Hand washing should take about 20 seconds or two choruses of "Happy Birthday". The next step in avoiding germs is to keep your hands away from your eyes and mouth. Tiny droplets of germs may have been on something you touch so bringing those germs directly to your eyes or mouth are a sure fire way to get yourself sick.

The kitchen harbors more germs than any other room in the home — yes, more than the bathroom. And the greatest concentration is found, far and away, in the moist germ havens we call kitchen sponges and dishcloths. And these are the very same germs with which people in that household get sick. Sink drains, faucet handles, and doorknobs — either in the kitchen or bathroom — are the next highest on the list. Toilet seats had fewer germs than any other surface tested!

Don’t share food, utensils or beverage containers with others. Be careful not share things like towels, lipstick, toys, or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.

Shopping cart handles are prime culprits in the spread of germs. Some supermarkets now offer germ-killing towelette dispensers in the cart area. Bring your own if they don't. Use them to sanitize the cart handle — and never put fresh produce in the cart seat, where diaper-aged children often sit.

A jog around the block a few times a week not only can do wonders for your physique, it also might prevent you from getting sick. There’s something about making your heart pump that’s good for your body. It strengthens your heart and strengthens your immune system.

Avoid the first floor button in elevators. In an elevator, the first-floor button harbors the most germs because more people touch it than any other button. If you can, let someone else push it so you don't have to touch it.

Bring along water and keep hydrated. Being well hydrated can make you less susceptible to viral infections in general.

Stay as far away as possible from people showing signs of the flu and if you are sick do everyone a favor and stay away from work!