The main way that illnesses like colds and flu are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This is called "droplet spread."
This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Sometimes germs can also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. Some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs and desks.
Ways to stop the spread of germs:
Cover your mouth and nose. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and repeat every time you cough or sneeze.
Clean your hands often. It is recommended when washing your hands to do so for 15 to 20 seconds. That's about the same time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice! If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The alcohol in the gel kills the germs on your hands.
Remind your children to practice healthy habits, too. If allowed by your school, send your child with his or her own sanitizing gel and encourage them to use it. Also, discourage them from sharing drinks with other children.