Protect yourself from germs and illnessThe flu, strep throat, stomach bugs and the common cold are just a few of the infections that are common during the winter months, when people tend to stay indoors and share the same small spaces. Most of the time, these illnesses just make you feel bad for a few days, but they can lead to complications that can be serious. In fact, the flu kills about 36,000 Americans each year, and other common viruses can be dangerous for infants and the elderly. If you haven’t had your yearly flu shot or pneumonia shot, do it now! Flu season can last into May, so it’s not too late. But what else can you do? Wash your hands of it. That’s right: Good old soap and water can wash away germs before they have a chance to make you sick. Yet most of us don’t lather up as often as we think we do, even when it counts the most: for example, before and after touching our eyes, nose or mouth; after coughing or sneezing on our hands; after going to the bathroom; and before we eat or prepare food. Keep reading to find out more. Why it works Why it works You can catch a cold or other illness without going near anyone — just by touching a doorknob, toy or other object. Germs can live on hard surfaces for hours or even days. Here’s what happens: A person with a cold or other contagious illness blows his nose, or coughs or sneezes into his hand. Then he touches a doorknob, light switch or other object. You come along and touch the same object. Then you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Next thing you know, you’re sick, too. You don’t get sick every time you run into a germ. That’s because your immune system can fight off many illnesses, if you’re healthy and take care of yourself. But even a strong immune system can’t fight off every illness. A little common sense can go a long way to helping you and your family stay healthy. A true story In the 1800s, he worked at a maternity hospital where women were dying in droves. He noticed that medical students were not washing their hands after doing autopsies on the dead women. He enforced a hand-washing policy, and the death rate plummeted. Yet his beliefs were not widely accepted at first, and he was considered a bit of a troublemaker. Today, experts agree that infections can be spread by hands that have touched germs, even if the hands look clean. Doctors and nurses use antiseptic soap to keep from spreading infection. Hand sanitizers and special soaps line our store shelves. And mothers everywhere are still giving that time-honored advice: “Wash your hands!” The right way to wash
If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel (usually called “hand sanitizer”) to clean hands. When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
When should you wash your hands?
What else can you do to protect yourself and others?
So you got sick anyway. Do you need antibiotics? Most of the time, colds and other minor illnesses just need to run their course. Drink lots of clear liquids, get plenty of rest and stay at home if possible. You might want to try acetaminophen, a decongestant or other over-the-counter medicines to make you feel better. Sometimes you do need to see a doctor. The doctor can help you decide if you need antibiotics or other treatment. If in doubt, go ahead and go to the doctor, but don’t ask for antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe them if you need them. Some good reasons to go to the doctor include:
Clean hands The flu Cold vs. flu |
