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

    Advice In Teen TikTok Beauty Videos Can Lead To Skin Damage

    Wildfire Smoke Alters Immune System, Study Says

    Holiday Tips To Keep Allergies and Asthma Under Control

    Tools You Can Use to Control Winter Asthma, Allergy Symptoms

    Allergies Have You Stuffed Up? Nose Fungi May Be to Blame

    Cities Contribute To Asthma, Researchers Argue

    Most Americans Keep Chronic Health Conditions Hidden at Work: Poll

    Medicaid 'Unwinding' Cost Kids Access To Asthma Inhalers, Other Chronic Disease Meds

    Time Of Day, Year Matters For Asthma Testing

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

    Patient Hospitalized in Louisiana With First U.S. Case of Severe Bird Flu

    CDC Urges Faster Testing for Bird Flu Amid Growing Outbreak

    First U.S. Death From Bird Flu Reported in Louisiana

    Blood Test May Help Predict How Long Immunity Lasts

    Has RSV Vaccine Hesitancy Subsided?