How To Avoid Spreading Germs

Healthy habits and knowing how to minimize your risk of infection can protect everyone from catching and spreading germs at home, school and work places.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. The most common way for infectious disease to spread is through the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses or other germs from one person to another. When you are sick, keep a distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Try to stay at home from work, school, and errands if you have signs and symptoms of an infection. Don't go to work if you are vomiting, have diarrhea or are running a fever. Thus, you will help prevent others from catching your illness. Don't send your child to school if he or she has these signs and symptoms.

Illnesses like colds and the flu (influenza) are caused by viruses infecting the throat, nose, and lungs. Usually, they spread from one to other when an infected person coughs or sneezes. So, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. If you do not have a tissue, cover the cough or sneeze and clean your hands. Train this habit to your children also.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Often germs are spread when a person touches something that is infected with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Keep your hands clean. Washing your hands is the best way to stop the spreading of germs. This is particularly significant before and after preparing food, before eating and after using the toilet.

Don't share personal items. Use your own toothbrush, comb and razor blade. Try to avoid sharing dining utensils and drinking glasses. Moreover, pay special attention to cleaning the kitchen and bathroom as these two rooms can have high concentrations of bacteria and other infectious agents.
Travel wisely. Depending on the place and travel needs, ask your doctor about any special immunizations you may need.

In short, with proper precautions and a little common sense, you can avoid infectious diseases and keep from spreading them.