Germs are everywhere, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick. The following tips are intended to keep you informed so you can make the best decisions for yourself.

1. Keep a Safe 6-Foot Distance

Germs can spread as far as 6 feet (2 meters) through droplets released in the air when you cough or sneeze.

Stay at least 6 feet away from anyone with a cold, flu or infection in all settings, both outdoors and especially indoors.

2. Wash Your Hands

You can catch and spread germs when you touch something with germs already on it, like a doorknob or handrail, and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand gel. Encourage your family and friends to keep their hands clean as well.

Everyone should wash or clean their hands:

• Before:

o             Handling food

o             Eating or drinking

• After:

o             Coughing or sneezing

o             Using the bathroom

o             Touching shared objects, like pens, doorknobs, or electronic keypads

o             Touching or cleaning up after pets

3. Cover Your Cough

You can spread germs to others when you cough or sneeze. Germs can remain in the air on tiny droplets -- ready to be breathed in. They can also remain on surfaces long after you've coughed or sneezed on or near them.

Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away immediately, then wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand gel.

If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow. Then, immediately wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand gel.

4. Don't Share Personal Items

Germs can remain on surfaces of common objects, like straws and utensils, for hours. When you touch something with germs already on it, you can pick up and spread those germs.

Avoid sharing items that can come in contact with saliva or other body fluids.

5. Avoid Frequent Contact with Dust and Dirt

Some germs can hide in soil and be carried on dust and dirt particles. You can get these germs if you breathe them in or transfer the germs by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth without first washing your hands.

6. Get Vaccinated

Vaccinations help your body protect itself from germs, like the flu virus.

Help your body guard itself against germs by staying up to date on your vaccinations. Encourage your family and friends to also get vaccinated to reduce the risk of spreading germs.

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