Colds, flu, COVID-19, and other viruses spread the same ways. These everyday steps protect you, your family, and your coworkers.
Respiratory viruses like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 spread through droplets in the air and on hands and surfaces. A few consistent habits go a long way toward keeping everyone healthy. For current guidance on specific illnesses, check with the CDC and your local health department.
Wash your hands often
Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the restroom, coughing, or sneezing. When soap isn't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up germs. Once your hands are contaminated, touching your face gives those germs an easy way into your body.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your bent elbow, throw the tissue away right away, and wash your hands. This keeps droplets from reaching the people and surfaces around you.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
Door handles, light switches, phones, keyboards, faucets, and shared equipment collect germs quickly. Clean them regularly, and disinfect them more often when someone in the home or building is sick.
Stay home when you're sick
If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms, stay home and keep your distance from others. If you have trouble breathing, seek medical care, and call ahead so your provider can direct you to the right place.
For workplaces, schools, and public buildings, a professional cleaning and disinfecting plan keeps shared spaces safer through cold and flu season and beyond.
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