KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- With the school year starting back up and autumn upon us, lots of people will be dealing with seasonal allergies, coughs and colds. There are many different organisms that can cause the common cold and cough, so the best way to avoid getting one of these bugs is from prevention.
Be on the lookout for these typical signs and symptoms of a cold:
-Fever
-Cough
-Excessive sweating
-Fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your medical provider; the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the quicker you’ll feel better.
Hand washing is the single most effective way to stop the spread of germs that cause illness – wash your hands often.
-Use warm water
-Lather soap on your hands, covering all surfaces
-Scrub for 20 seconds
-Rinse and dry thoroughly
Wash your hands after using the restroom, before eating or preparing food, after a cough or sneeze – as often as possible.
-Hand sanitizer is good for when hand washing is not feasible at the moment
-Use a dime-sized portion and coat all hand surfaces
If you are experiencing coughing, simply wearing a dust mask will help stop the spread of germs.
Be sure to avoid contact with individuals that are sick if possible, and if you are sick, stay home.
For more information on cold and flu prevention, call Public Health at (228) 376-3162.