Germy Checkpoints: At Home and Work

Whether you’re at home, in the office or on the road, you can take steps to reduce your exposure to germs and bacteria, says Lisa Miller, M.D., a pediatrician affiliated with Baptist Health.

“Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause many different illnesses and may offer some protection against the flu,”  the CDC  says.

CDC guidelines include cleaning or disinfecting frequently touched surfaces or items. All-purpose household cleaners can be used to remove germs from surfaces. To kill germs, the CDC recommends an EPA-registered disinfectant.

On a personal level, be sure to cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. And follow proper hand-washing steps or use hand-sanitizers if you don’t have access to soap and water, says Barbara Russell, R.N., director of Infection Prevention and Control Services for Baptist Hospital.

Correct hand-washing is like a “do-it-yourself” vaccination, the CDC reports. The basic five steps:
• Wet
• Lather
• Scrub
• Rinse
• Dry

“Regular hand-washing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others,” according to CDC.