Prevent the spread of germs in close quarters by following these simple tips.

1. While there aren’t vaccines available for every illness, they are your first and best defense against highly contagious ones such as the flu and chicken pox.  Make sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations.
2. Wash your hands frequently. Germs can be spread through hand-to-hand contact or by touching an infected surface.  Before you touch your face, wash your hands thoroughly with lots of soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
3. Encourage the sick person to cover their mouth using the crook of their arm or a tissue when they sneeze or cough. Sneezing or coughing into one’s hands only encourages the spread of germs onto every surface the sick person touches.
4. If the sick person is willing, have them wear a mask to contain germs. Or, you can wear a mask to prevent germs from getting to your mouth or nose.
5. Lastly, disinfect communally used surfaces. For an inexpensive disinfectant, mix one cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water.  Wipe down the surface with the bleach mixture and leave it for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Stay healthy!