Before and after you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
After you've been in a crowded public place.
If you've been near someone who is sneezing or coughing.
After handling garbage.
Before inserting or removing contact lenses.
Before and after treating wounds or cuts.
Before and after touching a sick or injured person.
Proper Hand washing Technique:
Wet hands with running water and soap.
Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces
including between fingers, backs of hands, and under fingernails.
Rub hands together for 20 seconds. (Sing "Happy Birthday"
or "The ABC Song" to yourself.)
Rinse hands well under running water.
Dry hands using a paper towel or a hand dryer.
Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet if possible.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Other Ways to Prevent Infection:
Avoid contact with people if you or they are sick.
Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Maintain healthy habits - get enough sleep, drink plenty
of fluids, eat a balanced diet, be physically active,
manage your stress, and stop smoking.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
If a tissue is not available, sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.
Put your used tissue in a wastebasket and clean your hands thoroughly.
Avoid biting your nails.
Wipe down your work desk and phone regularly with a disinfecting wipe - especially if you eat lunch there.
Get Vaccinated:
Vaccines prompt the production of antibodies by your immune system. These antibodies are then ready to battle the virus if
it enters your system.
What kinds of germs can be found on your hands?
Proteus - causes urinary tract infections.
Klebsiella - causes wound infections.
Clostridium Difficile - causes colitis.
Influenza A - causes pneumonia and the flu virus.
Shigella - causes diarrhea.
Bacteroides - causes ear infections and vaginitis.
E. Coli - causes diarrhea or urinary tract infections.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa - infects wounds and produces green pus.
Bacillus Species - this is a normal contaminate.
Haemophilus - causes conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Beta Streptococci Group A - causes sore throat.
Staphylococcus - causes skin infections (pimples or boils).
Foods to Boost Your Immune System:
(Prevention.com and msnbc.com)
Probiotics - The live, active cultures found in yogurt are healthy because they keep your intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs. Make sure you choose yogurt that has a "Live and Active Cultures" seal and is low in fat and sugar.
Vitamin A - Your skin is your first line of defense against infection and it needs Vitamin A to stay strong. One of the best ways to get Vitamin A is by eating foods rich in Beta-carotene. Think orange! Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, canned pumpkin, and cantaloupe are good sources.
Tea - Studies show that tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can boost your immune system. L-theanine is found in both green and black tea. (Decaf too!)
Chicken Soup - Research has found that chicken soup can block the migration of inflammatory white cells to areas such as the bronchial tubes where cells can accumulate and cause cold symptoms. Add garlic to your soup to further boost its power!
Zinc - Zinc is very important for the development of white blood cells, the immune system cells that recognize and destroy bacteria and viruses. A three ounce serving of beef provides about 30% of the daily value of zinc. Zinc can also be found in pork, poultry, oysters, fortified cereals, yogurt, and milk.
Mushrooms - Studies show that mushrooms increase the production and activity of white blood cells, making them more aggressive against infection. Shiitake and maitake mushrooms pack the biggest punch, but all mushrooms are effective. Add to pasta sauce, salads, or sauté and enjoy!
Fish - Selenium (found in shellfish such as oysters, lobsters, crabs, and clams) helps white blood cells produce proteins that clear viruses out of the body. Omega-3 rich fats (found in salmon, mackerel, and herring) reduce inflammation, increase airflow, and protect lungs from infection. Try to eat two servings per week.
Garlic - Garlic contains the active ingredient allicin, which fights infections and bacteria. Eat raw garlic and add crushed garlic to cooking several times a week to reap its benefits.
Oats and Barley - Studies report that these grains contain a fiber that boosts immunity, speeds wound healing, and may help antibodies work better. Eat these as one of your grain servings daily.
10 Worst Germ Spots:
(prevention.com)
Kitchen Faucet - Running water keeps the metal aeration screen at the end of the faucet moist and bacteria can build up on the screen. Remove the screen once a week to clean by soaking in a diluted bleach solution and rinse well. Let the water run a few minutes before using.
Garbage Disposal - Bacteria can grow on the crevices in and around the disposal's rubber stopper. At least once a week, clean the rubber stopper with a diluted bleach solution and rinse well.
Welcome Mat - Studies show that most shoe soles contain traces of fecal bacteria. Once bacteria are in your mat, you can carry them into your home anytime you step on your mat. Spray your mat weekly with a disinfectant spray such as Lysol®. Leave shoes at the door and avoid resting grocery bags on mat.
Vacuum Cleaner - Vacuums trap bacteria, as well as the bags and brushes. Change your bag frequently, empty your vacuum outside to avoid releasing bacteria into the air. Antibacterial vacuum bags are best. For a bagless vacuum, clean the container with diluted bleach and air-dry.
Dishtowels - Dishtowels, like sponges, frequently become contaminated with bacteria. When we use a towel to wipe up a spill, and then reuse the towel before laundering, we are spreading germs. Use paper towels to clean countertops. Use the dishtowel only to dry clean dishes. Change towels at least twice a week.
Your Car - Food spills are the No. 1 cause of bacterial growth in your car. The second largest site of bacterial growth is the dashboard, where spores and germs are deposited after being carried in by the vents. The warmth of the sun on the dashboard promotes further bacterial growth. Clean food and drink spills as soon as possible when they occur. Wipe down the inside of the car regularly with disinfecting wipes, especially during allergy season.
Soap Dispensers - Many soap dispensers are never cleaned, so bacteria grows as soap scum builds up. Scrub hands thoroughly for 20 seconds when washing hands.
Restaurant Ketchup Bottle - Restaurants rarely bleach the outside of the ketchup bottles. Bacteria builds up as each person uses the bottle. Using a napkin to pick up the ketchup bottle will not protect you, as napkins are porous and allow microorganisms to pass through. Researchers suggest washing the bottle with hand sanitizer or a disinfecting cloth if you can.
Refrigerator Seal - Mold can grow in the seal of your refrigerator, and you and your food can become exposed every time you open the refrigerator door. Wipe the refrigerator seals at least once a week with diluted bleach or disinfectant solution.
Cell Phone - Cell phones and PDAs have been found to contain large amounts of bacteria that can cause skin infections, eye infections, and stomach ailments. Leather and vinyl cases also harbor bacteria in their creases. Clean your electronic devices several times a week with a disinfecting wipe and be mindful of where you are setting your devices down.
