During the cough, cold and "flu" season, there are some simple tips that will keep respiratory infections from spreading. Respiratory infections affect the nose, throat and lungs; they include influenza (the "flu"), colds, pertussis (whooping cough) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The germs (viruses and bacteria) that cause these infections are spread from person-to-person in droplets from the nose, throat and lungs of someone who is sick.

Year-round, you can help stop the spread of these germs by practicing "respiratory etiquette" - good health manners - by covering your nose and mouth every time you sneeze, cough or blow your nose, putting used tissues in the trash, and washing your hands well and often whenever you or someone you are close to is sick. Clinics and hospitals may also give you a facemask to wear in waiting areas and exam rooms if you have a fever and cough or rash, so be prepared!

Here are some tips to keep from spreading your germs to others, and to keep from catching someone else's germs.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue in a waste basket.
• If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
• Always clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or touching used tissues or handkerchiefs.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.
• See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow his or her instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed and getting lots of rest.
• If asked to, use facemasks provided in your doctor's or clinic waiting room and follow their instructions to help stop the spread of germs.

How to decrease your chance of catching a respiratory illness:

• Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• 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.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.
• Get vaccinated! Influenza (flu) and pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines can prevent some serious respiratory illnesses.

Other resources:

• How to Control the Spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) -- Washington State Department of Health

Hand hygiene and handwashing