‘Tis the Season for Cold & Flu

During these colder months, it can feel like your home is a revolving door for different cold & flu bugs. With the kids going to school, parents working and everyone interacting in the community; germs from various respiratory illnesses can easily be picked up. By following a few healthy tips, we can all work together to slow the spread of germs this Cold & Flu season.

These recommendations to help you spread joy instead of germs this cold & Flu season are brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department. 

Respiratory illnesses like cold, Flu, RSV and COVID-19 are easily spread through coughing, sneezing, talking or even touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.  

Cover your cough

To help stop the spread of germs, you can follow these recommendations and encourage your family to do the same..  

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze.
• Always throw used tissues in the trash.
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze/cough into your elbow. 
• Remember to wash your hands after coughing and/or sneezing.

Wash your hands

Washing your hands is crucial in efforts to combat the spread of germs and keep them out of your bubble. This is especially important when you’ve been out in the public, around a group of people or have touched surfaces that many others have.. Any time you or your little ones are likely to have been exposed to germs. Always remember.. 

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. 
• Talk to your kids about germs and practice proper hand-washing with them. 
• If you’re out and about it’s good to use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.  

We can’t catch what we never come in contact with!

Maintaining distance from others when you’re sick is huge when it comes to preventing the spread of cold & flu germs. By staying home whenever possible, avoiding public places and loved ones, you reduce the risk of spreading any bug you have. Similarly- do your best to avoid individuals who are presenting symptoms of respiratory illness.

Through a combination of covering our cough, washing our hands and distancing whenever possible; we can work together to stop the spread of germs!

To learn more about how you can spread joy instead of germs during this cold & flu season by visiting the Tuscarawas County Health Department’s web page: https://www.tchdnow.org/spread-joy-not-germs.html