12 Tips to Help Prevent Cold and Flu

1. WASH YOUR HANDS: This is still the best way to prevent colds and flu. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. Use “hand sanitzer” when washing facilities are not available.

2. USE A TISSUE INSTEAD OF A HANDKERCHIEF: Wipe or blow your nose and immediately throw the tissue away. Handkerchiefs continually spread germs to your hands and face.
3. DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE: Touching your eyes, nose or mouth is a fast way for germs to get into your body.

4. COUGH AND SNEEZE AWAY FROM OTHERS: Instead of coughing or sneezing into your hands, turn away from others, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or use a tissue.

5. WATCH THAT MOUTH: Avoid placing objects such as pens or pencils into your mouth. Also avoid licking your fingers when eyes, nose or mouth is a fast way for germs to get into your body.

6. TAKE CARE AT WORK/In Classroom: Clean your area and phone often. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, lunchroom, copy/fax machine, and any other space that is used by others. Some germs can survive on objects for hours or a few days.

7. BE AWARE OF COMMUNITY SPACE: Doorknobs, light switches, refrigerator doors, bathroom and kitchen counters, telephones, computers, and remote controls are all places germs can reside.

8. USE HAND SANITIZERS: Keep liquid or gel hand sanitizers or anti-bacterial wipes handy.

9. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN: Children are very susceptible to colds. Teach them to wash their hands often with soap and warm water. Saying the ABCs while washing their hands assures they wash long enough (at least 15 seconds).

10. DON’T SHARE CUPS: Use paper cups in the bathrooms and kitchen.

11. DON’T SHARE FOOD UTENSILES: This may be difficult for most to do at home but it is important so you can not pass it back and forth.

12. USE DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS: Germs can live on towels and sponges for hours so use paper towels in the kitchen and bathrooms or wash bathroom hand towels often. Disinfect sponges by running them through the dishwasher and replace them frequently.