Stop The Spread!
Wash Your Hands
Why is hand washing IMPORTANT?
Say NO to Germs!
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
- before eating and cooking
- after using the bathroom
- after cleaning around the house
- after touching animals, including family pets
- before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
- after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
- after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)
Believe it or not: there is a correct way to wash your hands
- Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands.
- Use soap and lather up for about 20 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary — any soap will do). Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where germs like to hang out. And don't forget the wrists!
- Dry with a clean towel.
Respiratory Issues: What Can Happen If You Don't Wash Your Hands?
Sickness!
Bronchitis: Although bronchitis doesn't affect most teens, it can affect those who smoke. In bronchitis, the membranes lining the larger bronchial tubes become inflamed and an excessive amount of mucus is produced. The person with bronchitis develops a bad cough to get rid of the mucus.
Common cold: Colds are caused by over 200 different viruses that cause inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. The common cold is the most common respiratory infection. Symptoms may include a mild fever, cough, headache, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat.
Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, which usually occurs because of infection with a bacteria or virus. Pneumonia causes fever, inflammation of lung tissue, and makes breathing difficult because the lungs have to work harder
For More Help...
-Contact Your Family Doctor
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/
Phone: 888-232-6348