Wash Those Germs Away

Newswise — Germs. You can't see them, but they can be found most anywhere. And a small percentage of those germs, which include bacteria, viruses, molds and yeast, can cause disease.

The September issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource offers ways to protect against pesky germs that could cause illness.

* Wash your hands often. Soap and water are the old standbys for keeping hands clean. When that's not an option, use an alcohol-based gel. They work as well or better than a 15-second scrub with soap and water. Choose a gel with at least 50 percent alcohol.

* Keep dirty hands away from your face. Most germs can't penetrate intact skin. You provide an open door into your body when germ-laden hands touch the mouth and eyes.

* Remember food safety. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables, cook eggs and meat thoroughly. Avoid raw or unpasteurized animal or dairy products.

* Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Although most people are wary of the germs sent into the air when someone coughs or sneezes, those germs are cleared from the air fairly quickly. The bigger concern is germs that settle out of a cough or sneeze onto surfaces, or germs picked up by direct contact with someone who is ill.

* Keep current on immunizations. If you're over age 65, specific vaccines, such as for pneumonia, are recommended. An annual flu shot is advisable, too.

This is a highlight from the September issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource attribution is required. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll free for subscription information, 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.