Preventing
Colds and Flu

Healthy Horns stop germs.

Viruses that cause influenza (the flu) and the common cold are spread from person to person mainly when a person with a cold or the flu coughs or sneezes. You can be infected by inhaling the viruses in droplets from the sneeze or cough or by touching a surface or an object with viruses on it (like a desk, doorknob, or computer mouse) and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

How to avoid getting a cold or the flu:

• Keep your hands clean. Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you and use it often.
• Scroll down to The Art of Handwashing to learn how the professionals do it.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve. When you use a tissue, throw it in the trash immediately.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Don't eat, drink, or smoke after others.
• Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially if they have a fever, cough, and sore throat.
• Get the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 flu shot.

If you get sick, click the link below for more information.
Flu on Campus

View a Video on Proper Hand Washing Techniques

For the latest influenza advice and information, visit:
www.cdc.gov/flu
www.flu.gov
www.texasflu.org

The Art of Handwashing

One of the most important actions you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others is to keep your hands clean. When you can't access soap and water, use hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers quickly and significantly reduce the number of germs on skin.

• If you have to touch a dispenser to get a paper towel, get it BEFORE you wash your hands or operate the dispenser with your elbow.
• Wet your hands with running water. For the best lather, use warm water.
• Wash the front and back of your hands, your thumbs, between your fingers, and around your fingernails for 20 seconds. (This is the equivalent of singing two verses of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat.")
• Rinse and dry your hands thoroughly. When using an air dryer, push the "start" button with your elbow.
• If possible, use a paper towel to turn off the water and open the door. Toss it in the nearest waste basket.

Cold water may reduce the lathering of soap, and excessively hot water dries the skin, so use warm water if possible. If you only have access to cold water, take time to create a sufficient lather. The most important thing is to wash for at least 20 seconds, so aim for a comfortable water temperature so that you don't feel rushed.

View a Video on Proper Handwashing Techniques from the CDC

Cover your cough/sneeze