Keep Yourself Safe from Germs

• Germs are tiny living things.
• Germs are too small to see with your eyes.
• Germs live everywhere. 

 

• Most germs will not harm you.
• But, sometimes germs can make you sick.
• For example, germs can cause a cold or the flu.
• You can avoid germs that make you sick.

Sometimes you can get germs from someone else if:

• They cough or sneeze near you
• You touch:
• Someone who is sick
• Something that a sick person has touched
• Anyone can get sick from germs.

Keep germs away by staying clean.

• Take a shower or bath every day.
• Wash your hair.
• Brush and floss your teeth.
• Keep your clothes clean.
• Keep your house clean.

Wash your hands before you:

• Cook food or eat
• Put a Band-Aid on a cut
• Help someone who is sick

Wash your hands after you:

• Cough, sneeze, or blow your nose
• Touch animals
• Clean the house or take out the garbage
• Help someone who is sick

Learn how to wash your hands.

• View Washing Your Hands for the best way to wash your hands.

Cook safely

• Wash your hands.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
• Wash the counter where you get food ready.

Do not eat food that is rotten.

• Do not put defrosted food back in the freezer.
• Throw away food that you think is bad.
• Learn more about when food goes bad.

Do not give your germs to someone else.

• If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose.
• Use a tissue or your upper arm.
• Wash your hands right after a cough or sneeze
• Do not share:
  • Spoons, forks, cups
  • Towels, tooth brushes, razors, or make-up

When you are sick:

• Try to stay away from other people
• Get plenty of rest

Learn more about how to stay away from germs:

• Mayo Clinic