How Can You Protect Yourself From Germs?

Most germs are spread through the air in sneezes, coughs, or even breaths. Germs can also spread in sweat, saliva, and blood. Some pass from person to person by touching something that is contaminated, like shaking hands with someone who has a cold and then touching your own nose. So the best way to protect yourself from germs is to steer clear of the things that can spread them:

• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cover your mouth when you cough to keep from spreading germs.

• Remember the two words germs fear – soap and water. Washing your hands well and often is the best way to beat these tiny warriors. Wash your hands every time you cough or sneeze, before and after you prepare foods or use the bathroom, after you handle money, and after you visit a sick relative or friend.

• Using tissues for your sneezes and sniffles is another great weapon against germs. But don’t just throw tissues on the floor to pick up later. Toss them in the trash and again, wash your hands!

Now that you know the facts about germs, you may still pick up a cough or a cold once in a while, but you’ll be ready to keep most of those invading germs from moving in.