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Steer clear of colds, flu

9:17 a.m., Jan. 6, 2004--If you want to avoid the colds, bronchitis and gastrointestinal bugs spreading this winter, be mindful of what you do with your hands.

Hands are the body part most likely to spread disease, according Patricia L. Haas, assistant director of nursing services at Student Health Services.

Do you buy lunch, then sit down to eat it without washing your hands? The money you get back in change can be covered with other people’s germs, and you put those germs in your mouth when you touch your food.

Do you cough when using your keyboard? You may be transferring germs.

“If you do touch someone or something that is infected, don’t touch your nose or rub your eyes because those are direct conduits into your body and—boom—you can get sick so easily,’’ Haas said.

She offered these tips for steering clear of colds and bugs and the Panama A flu that has surfaced on campus:

• Try not to shake hands with individuals who are coughing, sneezing or sniffly.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief when you cough or sneeze, or with your hand if you don’t have a handkerchief. Wash your hands as soon as possible.
• If you’re sick, don’t shake hands with others.
• Wipe down your telephone and keyboard before using—and after use, too, if you are feeling ill.
• Buy an alcohol-based hand gel, like Purell, which is covenient because it works without water.
• Don’t touch your nose or rub your eyes before eating or making contact with others.
• Wash your hands before eating, after handling doorknobs and after touching money.

And, if you’re ill, don’t kiss your loved ones. Kissing spreads germs, too.

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