Health Tip: Prevent Passing Germs

Here's what you can do

September 16, 2010 RSS Feed Print

(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.