Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Respiratory infections include influenza (the "flu"), colds, and pertussis (whooping cough). They affect the nose, throat, and lungs. The viruses and bacteria (germs) that cause these infections are passed from person to person. You can stop the spread of these germs by following a few good health rules:

Keep your germs to yourself:
• Sneeze or cough into your sleeve to keep germs from getting on your hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
• Use disposable tissues and throw away used tissues in the trash as soon as you can after use.
• Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. Wash your hands often if you are sick.
• Use warm water and soap to wash your hands. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer
• Try to stay home if you have a respiratory infection.
• Call your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow the doctor’s instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed and getting lots of rest.

Keep others’ germs away:
• Wash your hands before eating, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Wash your hands after touching anyone else who is sneezing, coughing, blowing his or her nose, or whose nose is running.
• Don’t share things like cigarettes, towels, lipstick, toys, or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.
• Don’t share food, utensils or beverage containers with others.