Say Sayonara to Swine Flu (tips to stay healthier no matter what, no matter when)

Maybe the media has made too much of the Swine Flu, but if you’re worried, The Center for Disease Control has advised that hand washing is the first line of defense against infection.

The good people at Wet Ones® Anti-bacterial Wipes have shared with me that their product supposedly kills 99.99% of germs and cleans hands by removing dirt and grime (unlike hand sanitizer gels that just kill germs). They also have some good tips to help us just be normally vigilant and health conscious:

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?First and most important: wash your hands often. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. In the absence of soap and water, use an anti-bacterial wipe to clean hands and kill germs.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water, or clean with alcohol based hand cleaner. When soap and water are not available, anti-bacterial disposable hand wipes can be used.

Tips to Help Keep Your Families Healthy:

Clean Hands are One of the Best Defenses: Frequent hand washing will help prevent the spread of germs that can lead to illness. Consider using antibacterial wipes to sanitize hands on the go. For example:School – Pack in the backpack so kids can use them as needed prior to lunch, after recess or between classes or when riding the bus Playground visits – Add to your diaper bag or purse for use after touching the jungle gym, ride-on toys, park benches, sandboxes Commute to work – Bring in your purse or briefcase when coming into contact with banisters, elevators, escalators and mass transit At work – Keep at your desk to reduce germs on hands after using computer keyboards, phones, meeting rooms, shared kitchens Travel – To wipe hands after touching tray tables, blankets or luggage during airplane, bus or train rides (avoid the hassle of liquid gels at airline security) Shopping – Store in your car after touching money, common dressing rooms or restaurant visits

If you are worried about the spread of germs and keeping your hands clean, you can just use soap and water, but if you’re on the go, Wet Ones can help. You can print out a $1.00 savings coupon on their web site at: http://www.wetones.com/wo_healthytips.asp.