Hand washing! Both flu and cold viruses are transmitted the same way -- through microscopic droplets from an infected person's respiratory system. Someone sneezes or coughs, and droplets are sprayed onto any nearby surface -- including you! If people cough or sneeze into their hands (without a tissue), they can contaminate every surface they touch. If you touch that same surface, you pick up the virus. If you rub your eyes or nose, you've just infected yourself.
To protect yourself and prevent spread of cold and flu viruses:
- Wash your hands frequently. Use an alcohol-based gel if you don't have access to water.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your hands. Wash your hands afterward.
- No tissue? When you cough, turn your head away from others.
- If you have a sudden sneeze, bend your arm and sneeze into it.
- Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Wash any shared surfaces (like phones and keyboards) frequently. Viruses can live on surfaces for several hours.
- Stay away from crowds during cold and flu season.
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