As we enter the cold and flu season and with the heightened concerns about recent new viruses, there are some universal precautions that you can take to protect your family and prevent the spread of illnesses:

• Wash hands frequently using soap and water. How hands are washed is just as important as when they are washed, especially when it comes to eliminating germs. Wet hands with warm water, apply plenty of soap, and scrub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds. This is about the same time as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. Wash the front and back of hands, between fingers, and under nails. Finally, rinse and dry hands.
• Avoid touching eye, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, or cough into your elbow.
• Avoid sharing cups, water bottles, and eating utensils.
• Stay away from others who are sick.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department recommends a flu vaccine for those six months of age and older.

The general rule to prevent the spread of viral and bacterial illness is to keep a child home until he or she is symptom-free for 24 hours.

For more detailed information on this topic and other current health issues, visit the district's Health Services website.