We've all heard people say 'I won't kiss you, I've got a cold'. But a report recently published warns that we may be far more at risk of passing on an infection by shaking someones hand than in sharing a kiss.

A group of hygiene experts said that, if we want to avoid catching the flu or tummy bugs, or protect ourselves and others from organisms such as MRSA, salmonella or C. difficile, then we have to start in our own homes, by paying greater attention to good hand hygiene.

They also warn that, in the event of a flu pandemic, good hand hygiene will be the first line of defense during the early critical period before mass vaccination becomes available.

Good hygiene at home prevents organisms from spreading from one family member to another. And reducing the number of carriers in the community which reduces the likelihood of infections being carried into health care facilities by new patients and visitors.

Source

Winter is known as cold season - and it's not just because the temperatures are dropping. Your chances of catching a cold this season are high -- but according to Everyday Health, you can reduce your chances of picking up one if you follow these steps:

• Avoid touching your face with your hands. Cold viruses can easily enter your body through the eyes and nose.
  
• Speaking of hands, wash them. Frequently.
  
• Avoid people who are sick, is possible.
  
• Keep your surroundings clean. Cold viruses can live for up to three hours on the phone reciever or stair railing, so make sure you are wiping those down with disinfectant if a sick person has used them.
• Take your echinacea at the first sign of sickness.
  
• Get your vitamin C too -- try drinking orange juice every day, for instance.
  

And if you're the one with the cold? Be polite -- cover your mouth when you sneeze and wash your hands often to prevent spreading the virus.

Source