Health - Good hygiene: the best route to epidemic control… by destinationsante.com

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20 March 2010

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Good hygiene: the best route to epidemic control…

[21 April 2009 - 10h01]

To guard against respiratory infections and slow down virus transmission during epidemics –’flu for example– nothing works better than good hygiene.

In fact it’s crucial for the most vulnerable among us such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. Here are a few commonsense tips to follow :

First and foremost, wash your hands thoroughly and often. And use soap and water;
Sneezing? Coughing? Cover your mouth to help stop the spread of germs and then… wash your hands again – using soap and water;
Don’t use fabric handkerchiefs: they store germs. Instead, use paper hankies and throw them away after each use. Then… wash your hands;
Also, avoid sharing household linen and don’t let anyone else use your cutlery or toothbrush;
Ideally, if you are suffering from ’flu or gastroenteritis, avoid shaking hands or kissing friends and relatives;
And, though it may seem obvious … don’t spit in the street;
Finally, if an epidemic occurs, the health authorities recommend wearing a mask and gloves.

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