How You Get Infected

The main way colds get passed around is when someone who’s sick coughs or sneezes. Little droplets with germs land on places like doorknobs, telephones, and computer keyboards. Or the sick person coughs or sneezes into their hands and then touches those objects.

Then you come along, happy and healthy, and touch that spot. Next, without even realizing it, you might touch your nose and mouth. Voila! In an instant you’re infected.

Why Hand Washing Works

Some viruses — tiny living things that cause colds — can live on surfaces for hours. Regular hand washing is your best strategy to keep them from getting inside your body. And of course, if you’re the one who’s sick, washing up will keep you from spreading your germs.

How Should I Wash My Hands for Cold Prevention?

Many of us get so busy, we simply forget to wash our hands the right way. Here’s the drill:

• First, wet your hands with water. Then add soap.
• Rub them together vigorously for 20 seconds. Make sure to rub the wrists, between the fingers, and under the fingernails. When you have time, use a nailbrush, as germs often hide under nails.
• Rinse your hands thoroughly and dry with a clean paper towel or air dryer.
• If you are in a public restroom, shut the faucet off with a paper towel. Try to push the door open with your shoulder, or use another paper towel to turn the knob.

Wash your hands!

Good hand hygiene is important and effective in preventing the spread of any strain of flu virus.

All influenza viruses are spread from person to person in respiratory droplets propelled by coughs and sneezes from an infected person to the mouth or nose of another person. They also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on an object or person and then touches his or her own mouth or nose.

Teach your child to cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw the tissue away, or in the inside of his or her elbow (the “crook” of your arm).

The single most important thing you and your child can do to prevent the spread of influenza virus is — wash your hands! Rub your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.