How Do Germs Spread?

Covering coughs and sneezes and keeping hands clean can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as the flu, RSV, whooping cough, covid-19 and the common cold. Germs can easily spread by:

• Coughing, sneezing or talking.
• Touching your face with your hands after touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
• Touching surfaces or objects that are frequently touched by others.

How to stop the spread of Germs?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Stay at home while you are sick.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.