Macomb County Web Site
macomb county public health
| Personal Hygiene |
| How the Flu Spreads |
The main way illnesses like colds and flu are spread is person to person through respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Sometimes germs also can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on a hard surface and then touches his/ her eyes, mouth or nose before washing his/her hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces such as cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. |
| Invisible Germs |
Flu symptoms may not show up for a day or so. A person could pass the flu to others without even knowing it. Avoid those invisible flu germs! Try to stay at least three feet away from a person who is coughing or sneezing. Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Wash your hands often to prevent any germs on your hands from entering your body. |
| If You Are Sick, Act Responsibly |
| To avoid spreading germs, stay home from work, school, or other outings. As much as possible, keep your distance from family and loved ones until you are well again. If you have children who are sick, it is a good idea to keep them home from school. |
| Practice cough and sneeze etiquette |
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| Hand Washing |
| Hand washing is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to stop the spread of germs. Always wash hands: |
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| Disinfect |
| Disinfecting shared objects and common areas can help kill germs on surfaces and keep people from getting infected. For example, clean countertops, sinks, doorknobs, tables, telephones and anything else that people touch often. Follow the directions on the disinfectant label, and keep it out of reach of children. |
| Don't share personal items |
| These include anything that has been near a person's mouth, nose or eyes, such as: |
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Be prepared, not scared! |
