It is now “sharing season,” which means many people are giving gifts for the holidays, donating to charities and spending extra time with friends and family.
Germs, however, also tend to be shared this time of year as people stay inside, and certain illnesses spread more easily, such as the flu and colds.
Even adults can benefit from reminders about preventing the spread of germs. Try these tips to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick:
The best way to prevent the spread of germs is by washing your hands. Most people rush handwashing — or skip it all together — but it’s best if you scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, which is about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
Don’t forget the backs of your hands, wrists, between the fingers and under the nails.
Wash your hands when preparing or eating food, caring for a sick person, after using the restroom or helping a child use the restroom, after blowing your nose or sneezing into your hands or tissues and after treating a wound or cut.
You can also use hand-sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when handwashing isn’t available.
In addition to handwashing, you can also remember to:
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Stay home when you feel unwell
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Avoid sharing personal items or utensils, food or beverages
• Often clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, handrails, countertops and your phone
If you do get sick, you can first try recovering at home by resting, staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods. You might want to see a doctor if your cold symptoms do not improve after 10 days, if you experience chest pain, if your fever lasts longer than three days or if you have a severe cough.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
