Stop the Spread
(Keep Germs Away, Everyday!)

Germs are everywhere! We can't see them but they can live on toys, computer keyboards, doorknobs, coins, grocery carts, telephones, countertops and on just about everything that people touch.

There are an endless number of germs that can make us sick. Influenza or the flu and the common cold are just two illnesses caused by germs.

Some people, like elderly and very young are more at risk of becoming seriously ill.

There is good news! There are things that you can do to stop the spread and stop illnesses before they happen…

Let's talk about hand hygiene. Good hand hygiene is the single most important way to prevent the spread of germs. You've heard it before and it's true. It's easy, effective and it works! There's two ways to get your hands clean - hand washing and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

So, clean your hands…

• Before eating or drinking
• Before and after food preparation
• Before using shared items like computers and common surfaces like doorknobs or handles
• After coughing or sneezing
• After food preparation
• After using the washroom
• After wiping your own nose or even someone else's nose
• And taking out garbage

If you can see dirt on your hands, always wash with soap and water. We've said washing your hands is easy, but there is a right way to do it to stop the spread of germs.

Liquid soap is preferred over bar soap because germs can stay on bar soap.

Hand washing instructions should be placed in all hand wash areas at work, school and public places and buildings.

We've said washing your hands is easy but there's a right way to do it to stop the spread of germs. As you'll see in this hand washing video from the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

There are six simple steps to follow for proper hand washing. First wet your hands with warm water to melt the soap. The second step is to apply soap and produce lather. The third step is to rub your hands together for 10-20 seconds to remove as many germs as possible. Be sure to rub in between your fingers, do your thumbs, and wash the back of your hands as well as the palms. Once you finished lathering, rinse your hands thoroughly under running water to remove the soap. Pat, rather than wipe your hands dry, with paper towel. Rubbing can chap and irritate your hands. Remember germs can live on the handle too. Finally, use a towel to turn off the tap.

So you've got your hand cleaning perfected. But there are other ways germs travel.

Alcohol based hand sanitizers work well to kill germs on your hands. They are especially important in areas where there is no soap and water available. Be sure to keep some with you in your car, at your desk or in your purse at all times!

Make sure to choose alcohol based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.

Alcohol based hand sanitizers are safe for children to use under adult supervision.

Studies have shown alcohol based hand sanitizers are less drying to your skin than soap and water. They also have emollients added to prevent dryness.

Fragranced hand sanitizers may cause reactions in some people.

More and more often, alcohol based hand sanitizers are made available in public buildings. Used properly, these hand sanitizers can help prevent disease. Alcohol content should be between 60-70%. Sanitizers should be used when entering and exiting the building. First apply a dime sized portion of sanitizer to your palm. Begin by placing all five finger tips in the sanitizer in your palm. Then transfer the sanitizer to your other palm and repeat. Then rub your hand together palm to palm. Be sure to spread the sanitizer between your fingers and onto the backs of your hands. Keep rubbing until all the of sanitizer has evaporated. Paper towels are not required.

You won't believe how many germs are spread into areas through a cough or a sneeze.

The best way to prevent this is to cough and sneeze into your sleeve and ask other people to do so as well.

If you have to use a tissue, throw it into the garbage immediately and wash your hands.

Remember at the beginning, when we said germs can live on toys, computer keyboards, doorknobs, coins, grocery carts, telephones, countertops, and just about everything that people touch? Well when you touch those things then touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands, those germs can infect you. So, try to avoid touching your face!

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.

You can use general disinfectant cleaning products. That's all that is needed to kill most germs. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure they are used properly.

And speaking of surfaces, did you know that germs can live for several hours or even days on some surfaces?

Clean high traffic and common areas frequently and pay particular attention to handles, buttons, switches, handrails, push-bars and countertops.

Though you've done all the right things, you may still annoyingly be exposed to germs and some people will still become ill. Whether it's the common cold or other serious illness like the flu.

What is Influenza or the flu anyway?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. That means it involves your breathing system. It is quite often confused with the stomach flu which doesn't affect your breathing system. It can also be confused with the common cold, but the flu is quite different.

The flu is not to be taken lightly. The flu circulates and causes seasonal outbreaks every year. The fact is that thousands of Canadians die of the flu every year.

How do you know if you have the flu?

You will start to feel symptoms of the flu 1-3 days after you are exposed to the virus. People may infect others a day before they even have any symptoms! Whether you have a cold or the flu you might experience symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue or chest discomfort.

If you have the flu you will likely also experience a high fever that comes on quickly, chills, cough, a severe headache, extreme fatigue, and aches and pains. Some people, especially children may throw up and have diarrhea when they have the flu.

Pneumonia and respiratory failure can be a complication of the flu and chronic illnesses can become worse.

We have all heard things about the H1N1 flu virus. It is a new strain of influenza that has spread across the world. That's why the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in June of 2009.

There is some evidence that people born before 1957 have some degree of immunity to the virus. No one knows the extent to which this new flu virus will spread. We can all do our part by practicing the same prevention strategies for stopping the spread of all germs. People experience the same symptoms with H1N1 flu as they do with seasonal influenza.

So does everyone who has the flu need to see a health care provider, like a doctor or a nurse practitioner?

Not everyone will need to see their health care provider if they have the flu. You should see someone if your symptoms get worse and you do not start to feel better after a few days.

But there are people who should see their doctor if they have the flu:

• Pregnant women
• People with heart or lung disease
• People who have a chronic health problem that requires regular medical attention
• Elderly or frail people
• People who have an illness that may affect their immune system, for example diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS
• Telehealth Ontario is a free telephone service with Registered Nurses available to answer your questions 24 hours a day 7 days a week (1-866-797-0000).

How do you know when to get medical care?

If anyone has symptoms that were improving and then suddenly become worse they may need immediate medical care.

Some other signs that indicate immediate medical care may be needed are:

• Fast or difficult breathing or wheezing;
• Bluish or dark-coloured lips or skin;
• The person becomes confused or hard to wake up;
• Seizures;
• Dehydration - symptoms of dehydration to watch for would be the sick person may be dizzy when they stand up, and they may not be urinating. And, dehydrated infants may not have tears when they cry.

Very young children may be severely cranky or not want to be held. When children have the flu it is important to monitor their symptoms and check on them frequently.

Much of the time, taking care of yourself at home can relieve many symptoms. If you get the flu there are things that you can do:

• Drink lots of fluids like water, 100% juice.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine as this can actually make you lose fluid from your body.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid smoking.
• Take basic pain or fever relievers, like acetaminophen (for example Tylenol®), or ibuprofen (for example Advil®).
• Do not give acetylsalicylic acid, or ASA, (for example Aspirin®) to children or teenagers under the age of 16.
• To reduce muscle pain, apply heat carefully for short periods of time using a hot water bottle or heating pad.
• For a stuffy nose, use saline drops.
• To ease a sore throat, gargle with a glass of warm water or suck on hard candy or lozenges.
• Get lots of rest and take care of yourself!

Whether you become ill or someone else in your home there are some important things to keep in mind…

Have we mentioned keeping your hands clean is important? Again it is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs.

Anyone who is sick with the flu will be contagious for several days after their symptoms start. If possible, try keeping the sick person in a well-ventilated room of their own and avoid contact with the rest of the family. Of course keep a close eye on sick children.

Throw any tissues away immediately and wash hands.

Ill people need lots of rest. Don't have visitors in the home.

Clean objects and surfaces after the ill person uses them because the viruses can survive on some surfaces for 2 days, general disinfectants are all that you need.

Make sure that the sick person has their own towels, cups and utensils so their germs are not spread.

When holding a small child who is sick, place their chin on your shoulder so that they do not cough in your face.

Pregnant women should avoid providing care to people sick with the flu.

Other people living in the home should watch for symptoms of the flu.

If you are alone or a single parent or responsible for the care of someone who is elderly, frail or disabled and you have the flu, call someone to help you until you are feeling better.

Now you know how to stop the spread and what to do if you get sick. But wait… there are a few more things you should consider.

Make sure you have a list of phone numbers for family, friends, neighbours, your doctor and telehealth available by your phone.

Plan for other child care arrangements in case you child becomes ill and will not be going to school or daycare.

It is always a good idea to have extra supplies at home in case you are ill and cannot leave your house.

Always keep some extra non perishable foods , like juice, canned soup and fruits and vegetables stored at home.

Consider stocking some extra items such as tissues, regular disinfectant cleaning supplies, a thermometer, liquid soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and basic pain and fever relievers.

Make sure you have several days supply of your regular medications on hand. Teach children and others in your life how to stop the spread!

Do your part. Keep germs away, everyday.