Seasonal Influenza (Flu) & the Common Cold

The key to prevention is good hygiene practices and following respiratory etiquette. The best way to prevent the spread of disease is to begin with simple but important health habits that reduce the spread of germs. Recommended preventive strategies include:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water -- try singing “Happy Birthday” to ensure the proper length of time is given to disinfect all surfaces.

  When using soap and water, first wet hands with water, apply an amount of antibacterial soap to hands, and rub hands together vigorously, covering all surfaces of the hands, giving attention to fingernails and surfaces where jewelry is worn. Rinse hands with water and dry thoroughly with a disposable towel. Use towel to turn off faucet.

  When hand washing is not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% - 95% alcohol) rubbing thoroughly over all surfaces of the hands, including nail areas and between the fingers. Rub until product dries.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and clean your hands afterwards with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Throw out the tissues in the nearest wastebasket. If you do not have tissues, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, so you won’t get germs on your hands and spread them to others.

• Individuals need to wipe off surfaces, desks, desktops, tables, chair arms, computer keyboards and mouse, telephones, desktops, draw handles, doorknobs, staplers, stampers, etc. with a household disinfectant. Keep in mind anything at a desk that is touched needs to be cleaned. Students need to wipe the desk before each class.

• Wipe down all computers with antibacterial wipes before and after each use. Do Not Wipe The Computer Screen.

• Avoid sharing objects—such as utensils, cups, bottles, food, telephones, toiletries, makeup—or disinfect objects before using them.

• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth to keep germs from entering your body.

• Avoid close contact with sick people, at least 6-10 feet away. Respiratory droplets passed from person to person spread the flu.

• Keep a 2-3 week supply of non-perishable food and other essential household items on hand so you can minimize trips to stores and other crowded places.

• Faculty are encouraged to increase social distances between students while continuing to meet their educational needs, i.e. holding outdoor classes or leaving empty seats between students.

• Individuals are encouraged to increase social distances. Avoid close contact by refraining from hugging, kissing, and high fiving.

If you develop flu-like symptoms, stay home, get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids (self-care practices). The Health Services Staff is prepared to address the College Community’s concerns regarding flu-like symptoms and will make every effort to be of assistance to you. If you have any questions or concerns about your personal health, please feel free to contact the Health Services Office (healthcenter@cnr.edu).