Especially in the wake of COVID-19, practicing good hygiene has become all the more important to stay safe and healthy. And whether it’s to avoid spreading bacteria from something as simple as the common cold or something more serious like Coronavirus, it’s essential to understand how you can keep yourself and others safe.
While washing your hands more often has become a firm habit for most, there are several other measures you can take to prevent the spread of germs.
Keeping Yourself and Others Germ-Free
Wash Your Hands Properly
This simple task has a big effect on your ability to prevent the spread of germs to both yourself and others. Whenever you come in contact with items or places that may carry germs, such as shared office supplies or public places like stores and restaurants, wash your hands as soon as you can.
Be sure to scrub your palms, in between your fingers, the backs of your hands, and under your nails for at least twenty seconds to get rid of any lingering germs.
Limit Physical Content
While washing your hands after touching potentially-contaminated items, you should try to limit physical contact as much as you can, to begin with, especially with people directly. Instead of shaking someone’s hand or giving them a hug, wave at them to avoid transferring any germs via physical contact.
Be Careful When Sharing Food and Drinks
Generally speaking, it’s best to not share any drink or food that touches your mouth directly. If you must share food, divide the portion you’re sharing and place it separately onto the other person’s plate.
As for drinks, if you’re able to get more of the beverage from a container no one has drunk directly from, such as a pitcher, pour some into a separate glass. However, if your only option is to offer some of the beverage directly from the bottle or glass you’re drinking from, it’s best to not share.
Stay Home If You Feel Sick
While you may be tempted to “fight through it” and head off to work or send your child to school when you’re feeling a bit ill, this isn’t a good idea, as you’ll only run the risk of getting someone else sick as well. If you’re feeling under the weather, stay home until you feel better. If your symptoms persist, see your doctor.
Emergency and Non-Emergency Care in Dallas
Whether you’re experiencing COVID symptoms or those more so associated with the flu or other seasonal virus, trust the team at Advance ER to care for you. Contact us today for more information.