Ways to help prevent illness and keep students healthy

There are a number of practices that will reduce the chances of getting sick and spreading germs to others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands often.

Hand-washing
Germs are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his/her eyes, nose or mouth. The CDC recommends vigorous scrubbing of the hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds, then rinsing with clear water and drying with a clean towel.

Other tips:

• Don’t share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or personal items. Sharing items creates a potential of transmitting germs and becoming sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue into a waste basket. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve. Afterward, wash your hands with soap and water.
• Stay home when you are sick. Don’t pass your germs to someone else.
• Contact your doctor. If you think you have influenza, or another severe illness, contact your health care provider.