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

    Wildfire Smoke Is Choking America's Cities -- Is Yours on the List?

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

    Antibiotics Might Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma, Allergies

    Advice In Teen TikTok Beauty Videos Can Lead To Skin Damage

    Allergy Expert Gives Tips On Seasonal Allergies

    Asthma Could Raise Miscarriage, Infertility Risks for Women: Study

    Birth Control Pill Increases Risk Of Asthma Attacks In Young Women

    Most Americans Keep Chronic Health Conditions Hidden at Work: Poll

    Could Asthma Harm a Child's Memory Skills?

    Exercise in Pregnancy Might Lower Baby's Odds for Asthma Later

    Flu Cases Start to Surge as Americans Prepare for Holiday Gatherings

    FDA Approves First Flu Vaccine You Give Yourself at Home

    Has RSV Vaccine Hesitancy Subsided?

    The Right Time is Now to Get Your Flu Vaccine

    U.S. Government to Pay Moderna $176 Million to Develop mRNA Flu Vaccine