During the cough, cold, and flu season, there are some simple tips that will help keep respiratory infections from spreading. Respiratory infections affect the nose, throat, and lungs; they include influenza (the “flu”), colds, pertussis (whooping cough) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The germs (viruses and bacteria) that cause these infections are spread from person-to-person in droplets from the nose, throat, and lungs of someone who is sick.

Year-round, you can help stop the spread of these germs by practicing “respiratory etiquette”—good health manners. Clinics and hospitals may also give you a face-mask to wear in waiting areas and exam rooms if you have a fever and cough or rash, so be prepared!

Here are some tips to keep from spreading your germs to others, and to keep from catching someone else's germs.

Keep Your Germs to Yourself

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.

Throw-out used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.

Always wash your hands after sneezing or coughing, blowing your nose, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. Wash hands often if you are sick.

Use warm water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers to wash your hands.

Try to stay home if you have a cough or fever.

See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed and getting lots of rest.

If asked to, use face-masks provided in your doctor's or clinic waiting room and follow their instructions to help stop the spread of germs.

Keep the Germs Away

Wash your hands before eating, or touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Wash your hands after touching anyone else who is sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose, or whose nose is running.

Don't share things like cigarettes, towels, lipstick, toys, or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.

Don't share food, utensils, or beverage containers with others.

The Washington State Department of Health Web site (www.doh.wa.gov) also has more information.