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BYU-Idaho is gearing up for this winter’s flu season by
reminding students and faculty to wash their hands frequently.
Hand washing is one of the
simplest and “most important means of preventing the spread of
infection,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). In fact, hand washing is the first line of defense
against infectious illnesses, particularly those that are commonly spread
by hand-to-hand contact, including common colds, flu and numerous
gastrointestinal disorders.
One of the most typical ways
people catch a cold or flu is by rubbing their nose or eyes after their
hands have been contaminated with the cold or flu virus.
“Although hand washing
seems like such a little thing, it could really have a powerful impact on
the way we manage the spread of infectious diseases and newer public health
threats,” said Dr. Judy Daly, American Society of Microbiology
Secretary.
Here are a few examples of when
it is particularly important to wash your hands:
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Before, during, and after you prepare food
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Before you eat, and after you use the
bathroom
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After handling animals or animal waste
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When your hands are dirty, and
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More frequently when someone in your home is
sick.
To find out more about how you can stay healthy this flu season by
keeping your hands clean visit www.cdc.gov. One of the most effective tools in
preventing the spread of infection is literally at our fingertips, so
don’t get caught dirty handed.
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