December is Clean Hands Month

12/7/2010

Healthy habits can help protect against germs this cold and flu season.  Simple actions, like covering your mouth and nose and cleaning your hands often, can stop germs and prevent illnesses.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and clean, running water. However, if soap and clean water are not accessible, use an alcohol-based product containing at least 60% alcohol to clean hands.
Additional steps include staying home when sick to prevent infecting others; following public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distance measures; and staying informed by visiting cdc.gov/cleanhands for more tips on staying healthy this cold and flu season.