UWF encourages good health habits to prevent the spreading of germs. The most effective methods of prevention include:

• Stay informed. This Web site and the sites listed below will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

• Influenza is thought to be spread mainly person to person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people.

• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a fresh tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. DO NOT RE-USE TISSUES.

  • Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. Pay special attention to hand washing before beginning food preparation or eating.

  • Do not share food, eating utensils, drinks, straws, toothbrushes or cigarettes.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

  • Stay home if you get sick and remain home for at least 24 hours after your temperature has returned to normal. The CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• Follow public health advice regarding avoidance of crowds and other social distancing measures.
  
  
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
  
  
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; have on hand a digital thermometer to monitor your temperature, a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, food, clear fluids and other related items might be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

For more details on important habits to prevent spreading germs visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These tips are especially important for students as they often experience a reduction in sleep and an increase in stress which may cause some compromise to their immune systems.