It’s Virus Season!
Don’t be a Snotty Scotty this virus season! Follow these tips to avoid getting sick.
The Summit County Health Department reminds residents and visitors that cold and flu season is upon us once more, in addition to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To help everyone get through the winter season happy and healthy, here are some tips and information on how you can protect yourself.
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Hand Washing
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Wash your hands often, (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol) especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
- Before, during, and after preparing food.
- Before and after eating food.
- Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick.
- After using the bathroom.
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste.
- After handling pet food or pet treats.
- After touching garbage.
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Cleaning with a household cleaner that contains soap or detergent reduces the amount of germs on surfaces and decreases the risk of infection from surfaces. In most situations, cleaning alone removes most virus particles on surfaces.
When and how to clean surfaces in your home:
- Clean high-touch surfaces regularly (for example, daily) and after you have visitors in your home.
- Focus on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, handles, light switches, and countertops.
- Clean surfaces using a product suitable for each surface, following instructions on the product label.
- Take steps in your home to limit contamination of surfaces from airborne particles or from touching surfaces with contaminated hands.
Don’t forget about public places, too:
- Shopping carts, door handles and gas pumps can gather germs quickly.
- Credit cards, car keys, phones and similar items are also used often in public and should be sanitized frequently.
- Places such as break rooms, locker rooms and waiting areas can also aid the spread of viruses.
Sanitize Surfaces
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Stay Home When Sick
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If you are sick:
- Stay home. Do not visit public areas.
- Take care of yourself (Hallmark movie marathon, anyone?). Get rest and stay hydrated.
- Stay in touch with your doctor. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested. While waiting for test results, stay away from others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Don’t share the love. Avoid sharing items, and isolate when possible!
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- Be kind and considerate of everyone, masked or unmasked.
- Even if you are fully vaccinated, consider wearing a mask indoors in public places.
- Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is currently required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation.
- Wear a mask correctly and consistently for the best protection.
- Be sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on a mask.
- Don’t touch your mask while wearing it.
Wear a Mask
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Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
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Flu information:
Work Health Organization “Vaccines Explained”
What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine:
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