We are only a couple weeks into autumn and already the impending flu season is on everyone’s mind. Every company, school, and civic organization is concerned about the H1N1 virus; and signs and notices abound, reminding people to wash their hands. If soap and water isn’t available, people can be sure that jugs of hand sanitizer are within reach. This prominent focus on hand washing is certainly a good thing to see, but hand washing is part of a larger toolkit that should be used to help prevent the spread of germs.
According to the director of the CDC, hand washing works to prevent the spread of some germs but does not completely protect against the spread of other viruses. In the case of the H1N1 virus, people are more apt to become ill by breathing in infected droplets, expelled by another person who has the H1N1 virus. In essence, sharing the same air space with a sick person could be more hazardous than touching contaminated surfaces or infrequent hand washing. This may be the reason why the virus has spread so quickly in settings like school classrooms and college dormitories.
But that doesn’t mean that the flu can’t be spread through surface or hand-to-hand contact. A significant number of flu cases do spread from hands touching one another, accounting for nearly one-third of influenza infections. And though the H1N1 virus has gained the majority of interest in recent weeks, the seasonal flu is just as harmful and is spread just as easily. In addition, the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold, can live quite nicely on someone’s hand because of its different structure.
The best advice seems to be what mom has always said: “wash your hands, cover your cough, avoid sick people, and stay home if you get sick.” As always, the seasonal flu shot is the best defense against seasonal flu, and the H1N1 vaccine will help to combat the spread of the H1N1 virus, when it becomes available. These tips have worked for years, and are still effective in reducing the risk of becoming ill with a cold or flu. And should you get sick, mom’s advice is also warranted: “see a doctor, drink plenty of liquids, get plenty of rest, and take your medication.”
Great info. Keep it up.