Tips to Prevent Colds and Flu (video)

What is the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of germs this cold and flu season?

Wash your hands — but you already knew that, didn’t you? It is a message that bears repeating, especially during the cold and flu season.

Washing your hands properly means more than just hastily running water over them. There’s a right way and a wrong way to wash your hands. What is the right way to wash your hands? From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

1. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.

2. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.

Next: Video, plus more tips to get through the cold and flu season

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Lika S.

2:45AM PST on Dec 29, 2011

This seems so odd that this common sense information, that I was taught since preschool is being put out as if it's news. Adults really don't know? I've known this for almost 30 years...

send a green star

Cheriann P.

1:36PM PST on Dec 16, 2011

Coughs and sneezes spread diseases catch your germs in a handkerchief. Love ☮ Peace.

Tanya J.

2:48PM PST on Dec 14, 2011

they show the water running in the background as you lather your hands!! For shame! What a waste of this precious resource!

Christine C.

11:42AM PST on Dec 14, 2011

Good handwashing is vital. I also swear by Echinacea tea, has to be strong, at least 3 tea bags per cup. I have this every morning and night in winter. My other defence is a daily salt water sinus wash out with a neti pot.

I work in retail where the public cough right in my face and hand over money after wiping their nose with the back of their hands, yuk! Despite this I have had no cold/flu this entire year, and long may it last!!!

Julianna D.

12:26PM PST on Dec 7, 2011

my big one is raw dairy, and I've heard of putting peroxide in your ear canal but I cannot say that it does much- no proof.

Sharon N.

10:06AM PST on Dec 7, 2011

very helpful & thanks for the tips !

10:04AM PST on Dec 7, 2011

thanks this is helpful .

tiffany t.

2:12AM PST on Dec 7, 2011

avoiding sick people, hand washing hand washing hand washing!

rene d.