Here's to Your Health
Skip Navigation LinksReality Check > Here's to Your Health > How Can I Protect Myself from Germs

The best way to prevent the infections that germs cause is by protecting yourself.

Because most germs are spread through the air in sneezes or coughs or through bodily fluids like sweat, saliva, semen, vaginal fluid, or blood, your best bet is to limit contact with those substances.

Washing your hands often is absolutely the best way to stop germs from getting into your body. When should you wash? After using the bathroom, after blowing your nose or coughing, after touching any pets or animals, after gardening, or before and after visiting a sick relative or friend.

And of course you should wash your hands before eating or cooking. There's a right way to wash hands, too — you need to soap up well using warm water and plenty of soap, then rub your hands vigorously together for 15 seconds (away from the water). Rinse your hands and finish by drying them thoroughly on a clean towel.

If you spend any time in the kitchen, you'll have many opportunities to get rid of germs. Be sure to use proper food-handling techniques, like using separate cutting boards, utensils, and towels for preparing uncooked meat and poultry.

Another way to fight infections from germs is to make sure you have the right immunizations, especially if you'll be traveling to countries outside the United States. Other yearly immunizations, such as the flu vaccine, may be a particularly good idea if you have a weakened immune system or other chronic medical problems.

With a little prevention, you can keep harmful germs out of your way!

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: November 2007
http://kidshealth.org/teen/flu_center/prevention/care_about_germs.html

What if I Get Swine Flu? (TeensHealth)

You've probably been wondering what you should do if you get H1N1 influenza (aka "swine flu"). The good news is that H1N1 flu isn't really that different from normal seasonal flu. Although experts were concerned that H1N1 might mutate into a stronger strain of flu, so far that hasn't happened. Because H1N1 flu is similar to regular flu, it's usually treated at home in pretty much the same way.

Here's what to do if you get flu symptoms, like a fever, runny nose, or coughing:

Start by calling your doctor. Your doctor can assess your situation and in some cases may give you antiviral medications to lessen your symptoms and shorten the time you'll be sick.

Stay home from school (or work and other activities). Taking it easy at home can help you recover faster. It also prevents the flu from spreading to other people. That's why doctors recommend that people with flu symptoms stay home until at least 24 hours after their fever has gone away on its own (without the help of fever-reducing medications). Of course, if you still don't feel better even after your fever is gone, you'll want to rest up until you do.

Drink lots of fluids. People with flu can get dehydrated — especially if they are throwing up or have diarrhea. So you need to keep your body stocked up on fluids. The best thing to drink is plain old water. But when you're sick, it's OK to ignore the rule about not having too many sugary drinks, like juice or sports drinks. Your main goal right now is to stay hydrated.

Limit caffeine. The only drinks that aren't ideal are those that contain caffeine, such as soda, coffee, or energy drinks. Caffeine makes people pee more. It's not clear if this causes people to get dehydrated, but why take a chance? Don't rely on caffeinated drinks as your main source of liquids.

Get lots of sleep. Sleep and rest can keep your immune system working at its best.

Take pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and aches — but avoid aspirin. Aspirin puts teens at greater risk of developing a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold or cough medicine may relieve some flu symptoms, and medicines for upset stomach can help with things like diarrhea. But check the label before taking any of these. Aspirin can show up in some surprising places.

Wear layers. You might be cold one minute and hot the next. Wearing several layers makes it easy to add or remove clothes as needed.

Protect others. Wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing cups or eating utensils, cough or sneeze into your elbow (not your hands), and throw used tissues in the garbage. You don't want to spread the flu to everyone else, if you can help it. Hand sanitizer works well as a backup to hand washing if you don't have access to soap and water.

Most people who get H1N1 flu will get better on their own within a week or so. But if you have a high temperature for more than a few days, if you have any trouble breathing, or if you seem to get better but then feel worse again, call your doctor right away.

Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD
Date reviewed: September 2009
http://kidshealth.org/teen/flu_center/treatment/get_h1n1.html

Let us know what you think – with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or post a comment on the Forum.

Contact Us | About Us | Site Map   Copyright ©2018 All Rights Reserved • In Search Of Me Cafe is managed and operated by In Search of Me Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation  • Disclaimer