Keep the Germs Away: Tips for Staying Healthy

There are many ways to prevent the spread of germs and infectious diseases. The Ounce of Prevention campaign was created to give health educators and consumers practical and useful tips.


In preparation for cold and flu season, there are a few things you can do to keep you and your family healthy throughout the winter months. Take time to do an "Ounce of Prevention!" Here are a few tips.

Clean Hands
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.

When should you wash your hands?
Before preparing or eating food
After going to the bathroom
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
Before and after tending to someone who is sick
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After handling an animal or animal waste
After handling garbage
Before and after treating a cut or wound

Disinfect Surfaces
Cleaning removes germs from surfaces and disinfecting destroys germs from surfaces. Disinfecting after cleaning gives an extra level of protection from germs. Areas with the largest amounts of germs and frequently used areas—such as the kitchen and bathroom—should be disinfected with a bleach solution or another disinfectant as often as possible to avoid the spread of germs.

Prepare Food Safely
Handle and prepare food safely to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and germs and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. There are four simple daily practices to food safety and protection from food borne bacteria:


Clean hands and surfaces often.
Separate and don't cross-contaminate one food with another.
Cook foods to proper temperatures by using a food thermometer and observing recommended internal cooking temperatures.
Chill or refrigerate foods promptly by storing leftovers at a temperature of 40°F or below in the refrigerator and 0°F or below in the freezer.

Get Immunizations
Getting immunizations are easy and low-cost ways to save lives. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. The vaccine can protect you from getting sick from these three viruses or it can make your illness milder if you get a different flu virus.

Get Smart
Many cold, flu, and sore throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not work on viruses. Antibiotics, when used appropriately, can treat certain bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good and may increase your risk of getting an infection later that is resistant to antibiotic treatment.