The Health Center would like to remind you that vaccination is not the only way to help prevent a cold or flu. 'Tis the season to be a germ stopper!

Colds and flu are spread by droplets from your respiratory tract which become airborne when you cough or sneeze. Uncovered coughs and sneezes can send germs flying as far as three feet away!

These simple actions can help stop the spread of germs and help protect you from getting sick:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
  

• Clean your hands often with soap and water or alcohol based cleaners.
  

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his/her eyes, nose or mouth.
  

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
  

• Stay home when you are sick to prevent others from catching your germs.
  
  If you should become ill, ask your healthcare provider about antiviral medications which are available for influenza and can be used to treat the flu if they are started in the first two days of an illness.
  
  Other good health habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, drinking water, and eating nutritional food, will help you stay healthy in the winter and all year round.
  
  For more information, ask your healthcare provider or call the CDC Immunization Hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit their website at www.cdc.gov/flu
  
  Protect your health! Be a germ stopper!