Helpful hints

The Washington State Department of Health recommends when you feel a cough or a sneeze coming on, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw it away in a lined trash can. Immediately clean your hands.

Doing everyday duties expose use to potential bacteria and viruses. The most effective form of prevention is to wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water are preferred if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

In addition to cleanliness, you should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water and dried before use by others.

Keep surfaces clean. High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Use household cleaners as directed and wear gloves when cleaning.