How can you protect yourself from respiratory infections?
Cold and flu viruses are spread through droplets: When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, droplets containing the viruses are released into the air. The viruses also get onto your hands or the tissue when you blow your nose.
These viruses can then pass to other people or objects. They are easily spread from person to person wherever a lot of people touch the same objects, like doorknobs or handrails on the subway or a bus. The viruses are also more likely to spread if people come into direct contact with each other, for instance by shaking hands or hugging.
One of the most effective things you can do to protect yourself and others from these viruses is stop them from spreading. More specifically:
- Wash your hands and your children's hands frequently. Because children don’t pay as much attention to personal hygiene and because their immune system isn’t yet fully developed, they’re more likely to become infected – and to pass the infection on. Normal soap is good enough. There’s no proof that special antibacterial or antiviral soaps are better. But when you wash your hands, it’s important to wash them thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds and then rinse them under running water. The temperature of the water isn’t as important as washing your hands long enough.
- Don't touch your face with your hands. You are likely to become infected if you touch your mouth or nose with your hands after touching something that has germs on it.
- Do not drink out of cups or bottles that others have used.