Tips to Protect Yourself from Germ Monsters
Don’t let germs make you sick. Take steps to keep the germ monsters away this Halloween and all year long.
Take steps to prevent the flu.
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year in the fall. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand rubs are also effective. Stay home if you get sick.
Have a safe and healthy Halloween.
Make Halloween festivities fun, safe, and healthy for trick-or-treaters and party guests.
Halloween Health and Safety Tips
Get smart about antibiotics.
Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections, but not viral infections, such as the common cold and flu. Avoid using antibiotics if you have one of these. Using antibiotics when they are not needed causes some bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic, and therefore stronger and harder to kill. See your doctor or nurse to find out if your illness is bacterial or viral.
Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work
Keep food safe.
Food is center stage during the holidays. Be sure to keep it safe by following basic food safety steps. Wash your hands, and clean surfaces often. Separate foods to avoid cross-contamination. Cook to proper temperatures. Chill promptly.
Be prepared for cold weather.
Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious health problems. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected. Know how to prevent health problems and what to do if a cold-weather emergency arises. Remember that using space heaters and fireplaces can increase the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter Weather
Wash your hands.
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It’s best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. If that’s not possible, use alcohol-based hand rubs.
Disinfect surfaces.
Cleaning removes germs from surfaces, and disinfecting destroys germs from surfaces. Disinfect after cleaning to get extra protection from germs.
Seal, trap, and clean to control rodents.
It is getting colder outside, and rodents may enter your home for food or shelter. Seal up holes or gaps in your home, and trap any existing rodents. Clean up food, water, and items that might provide shelter for them.
Got Mice? Seal, Trap, and Clean Up to Control Rodents
Travel safely.
Attention, international travelers! Save room in your suitcase for your Travelers' Health Kit. Use this as a guide for packing items you will need to stay healthy on your trip, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, prescription medicines, and basic first-aid items.
Protect your child or yourself during RSV season.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health problems- especially in young children and older adults. There is no vaccine to prevent RSV. However, there are simple ways you can protect your child and yourself from getting sick during RSV season.
Learn about Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Keep your pets healthy.
There are many health benefits to owning a pet. But some animals may carry germs that can be spread to people. By keeping your pet healthy, you keep yourself and your family healthy. Pick up dog feces, and dispose of it properly. Keep young children away from areas that may contain dog or cat feces to prevent the spread of roundworms and hookworms. Be sure to wash your hands before handling food or eating.
Cats can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a disease that can cause birth defects. Change the cat litter box daily. Cover sand boxes so cats don't use them as a litter box. If you are pregnant, have someone else clean the litter box.
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Content Source: CDC Office
of Women’s Health
Page last modified:
October 27, 2009
Page last reviewed: October 15, 2009
