Avoiding Colds, Flu, Mumps, and other infectious diseases
You've probably heard that many UI students were affected by an outbreak of Mumps during the spring. While mumps is considered 'contained' (meaning there is no longer an outbreak), prevention of future outbreaks is key. We'll also be moving into fall, which brings colds, flu and respiratory infections.
The best strategies you can use to avoid getting sick with colds, flu, mumps or other illnesses are: a healthy lifestyle and good hand hygiene -- seems simple, right? Read on for helpful tips on getting it done!
Handwashing
We all learned to wash our hands in kindergarten, didn't we? Washing hands is the most important thing we can do to keep from getting sick or passing illnesses to others around us.
Why hand-washing? We carry many germs on our hands. When we don't wash our hands, or don't wash them thoroughly, we pass these germs along to others. We also pick germs up through our hands, either through cuts or by touching our eyes, mouths, or noses, especially after touching things (faucets, doorknobs) that non-hand washers have touched.
Can you sing "Happy Birthday?" Sing it through twice while washing your hands to make sure you wash long enough. Here's a poster with all the steps to proper hand washing.
Everyone's doin' it, right? If you ask 10 people about hand washing, chances are they will all claim they do it every time. Reality is that while 95% of Americans say they wash after every bathroom break, only 67% actually do (based on observational studies in public restrooms equipped with running water, soap, hand dryers/paper towels). Women do better than men (74% vs. 58%) but still fall short. Read more about the entire study by the American Society for Microbiology and their "Clean Hands" campaign.
Infection Control
In addition to handwashing:
- Be sure your immunizations are up-to-date. You need two MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccinations. For an appointment, call 335-8394.
- Get a flu shot when flu season arrives. Watch the SHS webpage for more information.
- Eat right, sleep enough and stay physically active to maintain healthy immune response.
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze -- use a tissue or the crook of your elbow -- don't sneeze into your hands.
- If you don't have access to soap and water, you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer/gel. (Source: FDA/CFSAN Food Safety A to Z Reference Guide, September 2001:
Handwashing.) - Stay home, if possible, when you are sick. Keeping your distance from others can prevent the spread of illness. You should speak to your instructors and you may need to complete an absence form from the Registrar's office.
- If you have mumps symptoms, please limit your exposure to others until you have talked with a health care provider. For more on mumps and what to do if you have symptoms, click here.
