As many in Massachusetts anxiously await the availability of the H1N1 vaccine, there are plenty of simple and common sense ways to protect yourself during the impending flu season.
Frequently washing your hands is the easiest way to avoid illness this winter. This simple habit will not only keep you germ-free, but will also prevent you from passing germs on to your family and friends
The germs that are passed in routine ways cause illnesses like the common flu, the H12N1 virus and gastrointestinal disorders and contribute to food-borne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli.
When washing your hands, use warm water and soap; lather well and rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds; be sure to focus on cleaning all surfaces, including under fingernails and between fingers; rinse well and be sure to dry your hands with a clean towel
If soap and water are not available to you, the Centers for Disease Control recommend you use an alcohol-based rub or gel to clean your hands.
Always wash your hands before handling food, after coughing or sneezing, after going to the bathroom, after handling garbage or animal waste, and before and after treating a wound.
Visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407 for more hand washing tips to keep you and your family healthy.
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