How to Protect Yourself From Harmful Germs

You cannot see germs, like these microscopic viruses, but you can protect yourself from them.

"Germs" is the all-encompassing term for bacteria and viruses which can cause illnesses. As a first line of defense from getting sick, learn to protect yourself from germs. These measures not only keep you healthy when something is "going around", but get you into the habit of germ protection in your daily life.

Things You'll Need

• Soap and water
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Tissues

Instructions

1. Talk to your physician and ask if you are completely up to date on all of your vaccines. These include an annual flu shot and a pneumonia shot as recommended by your doctor. Inquire about preventative medications you can take, such as anti-maleria drugs, especially when traveling to foreign countries.

2. Wash your hands throughout the day, especially when handling food, before eating and after using the toilet. Use enough soap on your hands to produce a thick lather and scrub the lather into your hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Shut off the faucet with a towel to avoid touching it with your clean hands. Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel.

3. Apply a dime sized drop of alcohol-based hand sanitizer to your hands after drying them. Rub the sanitizer into your hands and let it evaporate naturally. Do not wipe off the excess.

4. Avoid touching your face or allowing objects such as telephones from contacting your skin.

5. Cover your face with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then immediately discard the tissue and wash your hands.

6. Evaluate your lifestyle. Reduce stress, eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated and get enough sleep. When stressed, your body becomes more susceptible to germ invasions.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Germs: Understand and Protect Against Bacteria, Viruses and Infection
• CDC: Seasonal Influenza: Preventing the Flu