No one wants to catch a cold or flu. Both are contagious and you need to take steps to prevent infecting others if you are sick. This is especially important in your home where a cold or flu can just keep passing from one family member to another, childrens' day care centers, adult day care centers and when you are around those with a compromised immune system. These populations are at the highest risk of complications. The good news is that there are some simple ways to prevent spreading a cold or flu.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the most common way that the flu spreads is when the infected person coughs or sneezes or talks and releases droplets into the air. The New York State Department of Health says that people within three feet of you can come into contact with the droplets and become infected. Remember to cover your mouth and nose when you cough, sneeze or talk so that you block the droplets from getting into the air. It is best to cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or your sleeve and not your hands. In addition, do not share your eating utensils, plates, cups, sheets, or towels as they can be infected as well. Always wash these items well after use.
Wash Your Hands
The Mayo Clinic states that proper hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent both getting sick and spreading your illness. It is important to always wash your hands before touching food or anyone else, and if you are the caregiver to wash your hands after every interaction with the infected person. It is advisable to use soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner and to work the soap into a good lather and scrub every area of your hand for about 20 seconds. To time it sing happy birthday to yourself two times while washing. The next step is to dry your hands with a paper towel and use the towel to turn off the faucet. The Mayo Clinic claims that it is not necessary to use antibacterial soap, and using it too much can actually make bacteria more resistant.
Stay Home
The CDC cautions that your condition can be contagious right after you are infected but before symptoms show up. However, take care to avoid spreading your flu or cold as soon as you notice symptoms and up to one week after getting sick. Going to work or school when you are sick will just expose everyone. In addition, children may still be contagious for longer then a week. Wearing a protective mask over your mouth and nose will help if you need to go out.
Use Disposable Kleenex
When you need to sneeze or blow your nose, it's important to use disposable tissues and throw them away right after use. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety recommends that you try to use the tissue in a way that your bare hands do not come into contact with bodily fluids. Do not place the tissue on surfaces that other people will touch. The CCOHS notes that after using the tissue to not touch objects until you thoroughly wash your hands.
