Health Tips - Contagion of Colds and Flu

 
contagion of colds and flu

If someone is contagious, it means they are capable of spreading disease by direct or indirect contact.

The period when an infected person is contagious or able to transmit a cold or flu virus depends on the age and health of that person.  Usual adults may be able to infect others two days before symptoms appear, and up to four or five days after first being exposed to the virus.  Children or people with weakened immune systems can pass the virus on for more than a week after the symptoms appear.

Prevention of Colds and Flu 

  1. The best way to protect yourself and others from these germs is to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
  2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the spread of germs.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Please dispose of these tissues in the trash immediately; do not put them anywhere else!
  4.  If possible, stay home from work and school when you are sick.  You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
  5. Avoid contact with people who are sick. When that isn’t possible, wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible afterward.

This tip is a part of my disease prevention section. Be sure to read all my other disease prevention health tips to learn how to keep yourself and your family healthy!

Healthy days to you!

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Dr. Pepi

October 17, 2008