Become a Germ Buster: Everyday tips to keep families healthy
The best way to protect you and your child from a virus, like the cold
or the flu, is to be a germ buster.
“Germs are everywhere,” says Mary Anne Jackson, MD, chief, Infectious
Diseases at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. “They are spread
from person to person by a cough, sneeze, and even a handshake. Some
viruses and bacteria can live for minutes up to eight hours or more on
surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, desks, telephones and
computer keyboards.”
Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold
alone. As cold and flu germs circulate throughout the year, Dr. Jackson
offers everyday tips to keep you and your family healthy:
Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing
or coughing. Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw it away
immediately and wash your hands. Sneeze into your shoulder or the
inside of your elbow if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your
hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
Clean your hands often. Always wash your hands before and
after a eating, handling food, or feeding a child. Always wash hands
after using the restroom, diapering a baby, wiping noses or mouths,
handling uncooked food, playing with your pets, or cleaning or handling
garbage.
When available, wash your hands with soap and warm water then
rub your hands vigorously together and scrub the tops and bottoms of
the hands and between the fingers. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds or how
ever long it takes you to sing the ABC’s. When soap and water are not
available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers are
another option.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often
spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs
and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are
sick, stay home and check with your health care provider when needed.
