OK, sharing is usually a good thing but when it comes to sharing colds, flu and other contagious illnesses there is such a thing as too much sharing. Our bodies are pretty amazing. They work hard, digesting food, pumping blood and oxygen, sending signals from our brains and much more. But there is a group of tiny invaders that can make our bodies sick - they're called germs. They include bacteria, viruses and even parasites.
Don't worry, I'm not going to repeat your microbiology class; but, germs are tiny organisms, or living things that can cause disease. Germs are small and can creep into our bodies without being noticed. They can cause all kinds of havoc including colds, flu and infection.
As a student you have additional risk of infection because chances are you are in crowded classes and living in close proximity to others. In addition, you may be under stress, and not sleeping or eating well. All those things can weaken your defense against germs.
It's time to increase the ante and avoid those little buggers! What can you do?
1. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If no tissue is available, sneeze into the crook of your elbow rather than your hand, as you use your hands to open doors, type on a keyboard, hold onto railings, etc. and could spread your germs.
2. Clean your hands.
This is actually the most important one. Studies show that most germs are spread through improper hand washing. Washing your hands regularly will help protect you from germs. Wash your hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based cleaner regularly since you can pick up germs/viruses through shaking hands, sharing drinking glasses or utensils, touching a doorknob or keyboard, etc.
3. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
4. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
When washing hands with soap and water:
Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" twice through to a friend!
Rinse hands well under running water.
Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.
Remember: If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel to clean hands
When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
Apply product to the palm of one hand
Rub hands together
Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.
When should you wash your hands?
Before preparing or eating food
After going to the bathroom
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
Before and after tending to someone who is sick
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After handling an animal or animal waste
After handling garbage
Before and after treating a cut or wound
Please do not use antibacterial hand soaps. Recent evidence shows that non-antibacterial soap does as good a job at cleaning hands and killing germs as the anti-bacterial products. Also the bacterial soap creates real environmental problems. For example, it has been shown to cause reproductive problems in fish. There is also the long standing concern of scientists and doctors who believe repeated use and exposure to the antibacterial soap is creating germs that are more resistant to antibiotics.
Take good care of yourself. Don't skip meals and try to get enough rest. If you aren't feeling well call Health Services (862-2856). But we'd much rather we helped you to stay well.
Judy Stevens RN, BSN
Community Health Nurse, Wellness Educator
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