Published: January 03, 2007 11:28 am         

Cover coughs to prevent spread of disease

It's time for the annual reminders regarding cold and flu prevention. This year, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is suggesting an additional way to stop the spread of germs due to colds and flu. Instead of coughing or sneezing into your hands, the OSDH suggests using the inside of the elbow to cover a cough or sneeze. By using this method, the respiratory droplets that could spread genns will be contained on your clothing rather than passed on to others from your contaminated hands.

In addition to this new technique, public health officials continue to offer the following traditional advice to stay healthy during cold and flu season:

• Get a flu shot; this is the single best way to prevent the flu.

• Wash hands well and often with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing or using a tissue. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if hands are not visibly soiled.

• Cleanse your hands more often if you or someone in your household has a cold or flu.

• If you choose to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw it away after use and cleanse your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel.

• When washing your hands with soap and water, remember to scrub for 20 seconds before rinsing well. Use a disposable towel to turn off the water faucets and to open the door in a public rest room.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent infecting yourself with germs you may have picked up on your hands.

• Avoid close contact with persons who are sick. If you cannot avoid contact, remember to perform frequent hand hygiene and avoid touching your own eyes, nose and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick; you will heal faster and you won't infect your coworkers.

• Remember that antibiotics DO NOT work against colds and flu. Help yourself recover from colds and flu by drinking plenty of fluids, treating your symptoms with over-the-counter medications, gargling with salt water and getting plenty of rest.