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This fact sheet is
available in:
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 PDF files require a free reader. Download
a reader. This document was produced in cooperation with the Emergency
Management Division of the Washington State Military Department.
Preventing the Spread of Germs
Here are some simple tips to help keep
respiratory infections and many other contagious diseases from spreading,
especially during the cough, cold and "flu" season.
Respiratory infections affect the nose, throat and lungs; they include
influenza (the "flu"), colds and pertussis (whooping cough). The germs (viruses and bacteria) that cause
these infections are spread from person to person in droplets from the
nose, throat and lungs of someone who is sick.
You can help stop the spread of these germs by practicing "respiratory
etiquette," or good health manners.
Here are some tips to keep from spreading your germs to others, and to
keep from catching someone else’s germs.
Keep your germs to yourself:
-
Cover
your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing
your nose. -
Discard
used tissues in the trash as soon as you can. -
Always wash
your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing, or after
touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. Wash hands often if you are
sick.
-
Use warm
water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers to wash your hands. -
Try
to stay home if you have a cough and fever. -
See your
doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow
their instructions. Take medicine as prescribed and get
lots of rest.
-
If asked,
use face masks provided in your doctor’s office or clinic’s waiting
room. Follow office or clinic staff instructions to help stop the spread of germs.
Keep the germs away:
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Wash your
hands before eating, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
-
Wash your
hands after touching anyone who is sneezing, coughing or blowing
their nose.
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Don’t share
things like towels, lipstick, toys, or anything else that
might be contaminated with respiratory germs.
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Don’t share
food, utensils or beverage containers with others.
DOH Pub 821-014
Revised - October 2006
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