The Hands-on Approach to Staying Healthy

The power to prevent some of the most common illnesses, including the flu, is literally in your hands. Throughout the day, your hands collect germs from multiple sources—people, foods, and objects like doorknobs or coins—and without proper and frequent hand washing, you can easily infect yourself and others. The approaching flu season makes vigilant hand washing even more important. In addition, certain bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are immune to many wide-spectrum antibiotics, posing an equally large threat.

Defense Is At Your Fingertips

Fortunately, even during flu season, there are simple ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick or spreading germs to others:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, rubbing vigorously for at least 10 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 70 percent ethyl alcohol
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home from work or school if you're sick
• Eat healthy, stay active and get enough sleep
• Get a flu shot

To learn more about flu prevention, go to www.flu.gov or www.mdhflu.com.